Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the end of slavery in the country. It is celebrated on June 19th, which is the day that Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3, which proclaimed that all enslaved people in Texas were free. This was two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863.
Juneteenth has been celebrated by Black Americans for many years, but it was not officially recognized as a federal holiday until 2021. In June of that year, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which made Juneteenth a federal holiday.
Today, Juneteenth is celebrated by people of all races and ethnicities. It is a time to reflect on the progress that has been made in the fight for racial equality, and to recommit to the work that still needs to be done.
Here are some of the ways that Juneteenth is celebrated:
- Community gatherings: Many communities hold parades, festivals, and other events to celebrate Juneteenth. These events often feature music, food, and dancing.
- Educational events: There are also many educational events held on Juneteenth. These events teach people about the history of slavery and the fight for racial equality.
- Family gatherings: Juneteenth is also a time for families to come together and celebrate. Many families cook traditional foods, tell stories, and sing songs.
Juneteenth is a day to celebrate freedom and to reflect on the progress that has been made in the fight for racial equality. It is also a day to recommit to the work that still needs to be done.
