Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated every year on June 19. It's a new national holiday in the United States, but its story goes way back to the 1800s. People also call it Emancipation Day or Freedom Day. Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the U.S. It specifically marks the day when the last enslaved Black people in Texas finally found out they were free. This happened a long time after the Emancipation Proclamation (which said they were free). In June 2021, Congress and President Joe Biden officially made Juneteenth a national holiday. It's a day to celebrate freedom and also to think about the hard history of slavery in the U.S.
Remembering The Comanche Three: “The in-depth, compelling story of how — and why — three Black youths drowned in the custody of law enforcement on Juneteenth of 1981 in Mexia, Texas.” 🕊️🕊️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/SIkGKdbqtG
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What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is named after combining "June" and "nineteenth," marking the date June 19, 1865. On this day, Union Army General Gordon Granger reached Galveston, Texas, declaring that all enslaved individuals were free according to the Emancipation Proclamation, which President Abraham Lincoln had issued on January 1, 1863.
Because Texas was remote and resistant, the enforcement of this proclamation was delayed there. Thus, Juneteenth represents the true day when freedom was enforced for many enslaved people, particularly in the Deep South.
Why is it a Federal Holiday?
Juneteenth has been a notable day within African American communities for over 150 years, marking an important celebration of freedom. The widespread recognition of Juneteenth picked up steam in 2020 amidst the Black Lives Matter protests following George Floyd's murder. This rise in awareness paved the way for its formal acknowledgement.
By June 2021, the U.S. Congress had approved the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which was officially signed into law on June 17, 2021. This established Juneteenth as the 11th federal holiday in the United States, with no new federal holiday having been added since Martin Luther King Jr. Day back in 1983.
This action was largely interpreted as a meaningful recognition of America’s deep-rooted racial injustices, while also highlighting the critical values of freedom, equality, and the importance of acknowledging true historical narratives.
How is Juneteenth Celebrated?
Juneteenth is a lively celebration marked by a variety of events. These include parades, music festivals, and community gatherings where people come together to honor the day. There are also educational programs that focus on Black history, providing a deeper understanding of the significance of the occasion.
Families often gather for reunions and enjoy barbecues, making the most of the time to reconnect and celebrate. Additionally, public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation are held, reminding everyone of the historic moment that Juneteenth commemorates. The festivities also frequently feature flag-raising ceremonies, where the Juneteenth flag, a symbol adorned in red, white, and blue, is proudly displayed, signifying freedom and justice.
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