Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is an annual holiday celebrated in the United States on June 19th. This significant day commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and the end of slavery in the United States. Let’s explore the origins, history, and journey of Juneteenth towards becoming a recognized holiday.
Its origins
The origins of Juneteenth date back to June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas and U.S. Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3, which informed the people of Texas that all enslaved people were now free. This momentous declaration came over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln. The delay in spreading the news to Texas resulted from various factors, including the resistance of slaveholders and the limited presence of Union troops in the region during the Civil War.
On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed into law Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, S. 475, creating a federal holiday to commemorate Juneteenth. This is the first federal holiday approved since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.
The newly freed African Americans in Texas embraced June 19th as their day of liberation and celebrated it as “Juneteenth.” The celebrations included gatherings, parades, prayers, and other festivities, becoming a symbol of joy, resilience, and the enduring fight for freedom.
Over the years, this celebration gradually spread to other states as African Americans migrated across the country. On January 1, 1980, Juneteenth officially became a Texas state holiday. Since then, numerous states have followed suit.
![First side of: [Emancipation Day Celebration, June 19, 1900], a photograph available in the The Portal to Texas History](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSI3MDAiIGhlaWdodD0iNzgiIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCA3MDAgNzgiPjxyZWN0IHdpZHRoPSIxMDAlIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjEwMCUiIHN0eWxlPSJmaWxsOiNjZmQ0ZGI7ZmlsbC1vcGFjaXR5OiAwLjE7Ii8+PC9zdmc+ "Juneteenth: Celebrating freedom and emancipation in the United States 2")
Juneteenth is a U.S. holiday
On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed into law Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, S. 475, creating a federal holiday to commemorate Juneteenth. This is the first federal holiday approved since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.
This day serves as a powerful reminder of the struggle for equality and the ongoing pursuit of civil rights. It is a time to reflect on the achievements, contributions, and resilience of African Americans throughout history. The holiday fosters education, cultural enrichment, and community engagement, promoting a deeper understanding of the nation’s complex past and the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality.
As this holiday gains more recognition and observance, communities across the United States organize various events, including parades, historical reenactments, educational workshops, art exhibitions, and community gatherings. It provides an opportunity to honor ancestors, celebrate achievements, and foster unity among diverse communities.
In conclusion, Juneteenth stands as a vital holiday in American history, commemorating the end of slavery and embracing the principles of freedom, equality, and justice. By understanding its origins and significance, we can appreciate the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for emancipation and continue to strive for a more inclusive and equitable society.
