Since then, emancipated Black Texans and their descendants have celebrated their liberty with moving music, delicious food and fellowship on a day that came to be known as Juneteenth.
The jubilee, which became a Texas state holiday in 1980, spread in popularity and importance throughout the rest of the country over the years.
Plus, NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is executive-producing and narrating the History documentary Fight the Power: The Movements That Changed America, and TBS will commemorate Juneteenth with the premiere of Friday Night Vibes.