[hanamizu]

Freed slaves reacted with joy, thanks, gratitude to God and celebration to the news of their freedom. They didn’t stick their fist to the sky.

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Yes, upraised black fists had nothing to do with the slaves getting their freedom. Some ran away to get their freedom and some fought for the Union, but virtually all slaves, like the ones in Texas gained their freedom because the Union army occupied where they lived.

And perhaps ironically, the slaves in New Orleans weren’t freed by the Emancipation Proclamation since the Union was in control of N.O. when the E.P. took effect.

[GOPJ]

Some ran away to get their freedom and some fought for the Union, but virtually all slaves, like the ones in Texas gained their freedom because the Union army occupied where they lived.

You're right. Also because communication wasn't what it is today, some slaves didn't know about emancipation for several weeks after it happened. A great moment in our history with many thanks to Lincoln...