Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States sine 2021. June 19 commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved person in Texas was proclaimed free.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is an annual holiday celebrated on June 19th in the United States. It commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and the end of slavery in the United States.

History of Juneteenth

The history of Juneteenth dates back to June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3, which proclaimed freedom for all slaves in Texas. This announcement came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which had declared that all slaves in Confederate territory were to be freed. However, due to the lack of Union presence in Texas during the Civil War, the proclamation had not been enforced there.

When General Granger's order was read aloud in Galveston, it sparked joy and celebration among the African American community. The newly freed slaves celebrated their emancipation with prayer, feasts, and gatherings. Over time, the annual celebration of June 19th spread to other states, becoming known as Juneteenth.

Juneteenth holds historical and cultural significance as a symbol of African American liberation and resilience. It signifies the moment when the news of freedom reached the last remaining enslaved people in the United States. The holiday represents the end of a long and painful chapter in American history and highlights the ongoing struggle for racial equality and civil rights.

Juneteenth celebrations often include various activities, such as parades, music festivals, educational events, picnics, and family reunions. It is a day for reflection, remembrance, and honoring the contributions of African Americans to the nation's history and culture.

On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday in the United States. The bill was signed into law by President Joe Biden, making Juneteenth the 12th federal holiday and the first new one to be added since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983.

The recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday reflects a growing awareness and acknowledgment of the importance of African American history and the ongoing pursuit of racial justice in the United States. It provides an opportunity for individuals and communities to come together, learn, and promote equality and inclusivity.

While the legal holiday remains on, if that date happens to be on a Saturday or Sunday, then federal government employees will instead take the day off on the adjacent Friday or Monday, respectively.