Juneteenth Honors Freedom, History, and Resilience
Every June 19th, communities across the United States come together to celebrate Juneteenth, one of the most significant yet often underrecognized holidays in American history. Also known as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, or Jubilee Day, Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States — and honors the enduring spirit of Black Americans.
What Is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and Major General Gordon Granger announced that all enslaved people were now free. This came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.
Why the delay? While the proclamation legally freed enslaved people in Confederate states, enforcement relied on the advance of Union troops. Texas, the most remote of the slave states, had seen little Union presence, so slavery continued there until the war’s end.
On June 19, 1865, General Granger issued General Order No. 3, finally bringing the news of freedom to over 250,000 enslaved people in Texas. That moment — of delayed, but eventual liberation — became a turning point in American history.
A Celebration of Culture and Progress
Juneteenth celebrations began the very next year in 1866 and have continued for over 150 years. Traditionally, the day includes:
- Parades and marches
- Family gatherings and barbecues
- Church services and prayer
- Educational events and storytelling
- Music, art, and performances highlighting Black culture and history
The holiday is not only a commemoration of emancipation but also a celebration of Black culture, resilience, achievement, and community.
Becoming a Federal Holiday
Although Juneteenth was long celebrated in many states and cities, it wasn’t until June 17, 2021, that it was officially declared a federal holiday in the United States — a historic recognition of the significance of Black freedom and the ongoing struggle for racial justice.
Why Juneteenth Matters
Juneteenth reminds us that freedom was delayed, not freely given, and that the journey toward equality is still ongoing. It challenges us to confront the darker parts of American history while also celebrating progress and perseverance.
It’s a day to honor the legacy of those who suffered under slavery, those who fought for justice, and those who continue to shape a more equitable future.
“Nobody’s free until everybody’s free.” – Fannie Lou Hamer
On Juneteenth, we reflect, we rejoice, and we recommit to the work of justice. It’s not just Black history — it’s American history.
Happy Juneteenth.