Bill Nye isn’t known as the history guy, and there may be good reason for that.
The beloved TV scientist got schooled after posting a celebratory Juneteenth tweet that contained misinformation about the holiday, which marks the anniversary of Union Major General Gordon Granger and his troops arriving in Galveston, Texas, and informing residents of the Emancipation Proclamation—which had been issued two and a half years prior.
Related: How to Say Happy Juneteenth
Nye posted a selfie on Sunday, June 19, 2022, with a copy of the Constitution, writing, “The United States we know today was built with the labor of enslaved Black Americans. The last were not freed (officially) until 19 June 1865. Let us celebrate— and never forget.”
The problem? Slavery wasn’t actually abolished nationwide until six months later in December 1865 with the official ratification of the 13th Amendment.
While most appreciated the sentiment behind Nye’s post, they were still quick to point out inaccuracies to prevent further misunderstanding of the new federal holiday.
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One of the many replies to Nye’s tweet was from radio host George Wrighster III, who wrote, “Bill Nye is right about building America but slaves weren’t freed until Dec 1865 when 13th amendment was ratified. Also, the last state (Miss) didn’t officially abolish slavery until 2013. And the last school district wasn’t desegregated until 2016.”
Related: 58 of the Best Juneteenth Recipes From Black Food Creators for Traditional Juneteenth Celebrations
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Other followers pointed out that the 13th Amendment includes a loophole (usually called the punishment clause or the exceptions clause) permitting slavery as punishment for a crime, with many pointing out its links to modern-day prison labor.
The Science Guy hasn’t yet commented nor replied to the corrections.
Next, learn all about the Juneteenth flag and why it’s red and blue.