Observed each year on June 19, Juneteenth Independence Day commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates Black history and culture. Its name, “Juneteenth”, comes from the date itself, June nineteenth. Let’s explore this holiday’s origins and discover why it is so meaningful today!

History

In Galveston, Texas, in 1856, troops arrived to free all enslaved people, and spread justice. They ended up arriving two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, which is an executive order issued by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. 

After President Lincoln issued the proclamation, the meaning of the entire war shifted. Instead of being only about bringing the Southern states back into the Union, the conflict now had a clear moral purpose: ending slavery. Union soldiers went into battle knowing that each victory not only reunited the country, but also brought freedom closer for the people who had been enslaved. In simple terms, the Civil War became both a battle to keep America united, and a determined effort to make sure every person in the nation could be free. However, this was just the first step, and many states still had slaves for a long time after the proclamation was initially issued, and the proclamation didn’t help slaves in border states. 

With many Confederate areas still enforcing slavery, freedom arrived slowly. On June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3, announcing that “all slaves are free.” This finally brought the Emancipation Proclamation’s promise to roughly 250,000 people in Texas 

Texas led the way in officially honoring the day: in 1980, it became the first state to designate Juneteenth as a holiday. Over the next decades, most other states followed, adding Juneteenth to their calendars as a public or ceremonial holiday. Additionally, Juneteenth is the youngest federal holiday in the United States, as it was signed in 2021. President Joseph R. Biden was the one to sign the holiday into law in June 2021. 

Celebrations

Everyone across the country celebrates Juneteenth differently, but it all revolves around recognizing and uplifting Black culture and history. From cookouts to parades, Juneteenth allows Black individuals to share their story, celebrate their culture, and remember their passed relatives. This holiday has been around for years, so the public events are carefully curated and awesome. According to PBS, these festivals often have tons of resources for people, from experts in healthcare to experts in finance, to support the community. 

Juneteenth Facts

• As of 2024, all 50 states plus D.C. recognize Juneteenth in some form

• Modern festivals often partner with local museums, schools, and HBCUs to offer workshops on Black history, voter registration booths, and health screening

• During Juneteenth celebrations, red-colored food, such as vibrant drinks, red velvet cake, and barbecue, serve as powerful symbols of resilience and sacrifice

• During Juneteenth celebrations, red-colored foods, such as vibrant drinks, red velvet cake, and barbecue, serve as powerful symbols of resilience and sacrifice.

Now, while Juneteenth marks a legal end to slavery, systemic inequities persist, and the holiday is also a platform to call for progress in education, housing, and criminal justice reform. Juneteenth is a day to celebrate progress, but also encourage more reform in the future.