Juneteenth

Juneteenth, also called Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day, is a holiday in the United States that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It centers on June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3 proclaiming freedom for enslaved people in the state. Although the Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863, declared slaves in Confederate-held areas free, enforcement depended on Union military victory, and widespread emancipation did not occur until the postwar period. The Thirteenth Amendment, ratified later in 1865, formally abolished slavery in the United States.

Juneteenth originated in Texas among Black communities, and the name combines June and nineteenth. The observance evolved from local gatherings into a broader celebration of African American history and culture, featuring family reunions, church services, parades, music, storytelling, and educational events. It also serves as a day to reflect on the legacy of slavery and ongoing racial justice issues.

In the United States, Juneteenth was recognized as a state holiday or observance in several states during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. In 2021, Juneteenth was designated as a federal holiday following the passage of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, and signed into law by President Joe Biden on June 17, 2021. The holiday is officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day and reflects a national recognition of emancipation and freedom. Observance varies by community, with celebrations often including education, cultural events, and acts of remembrance; it is not intended to replace Independence Day, but to honor a distinct historical milestone.