Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day, is an annual holiday celebrated in the United States on June 19th. It commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.
On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3, which proclaimed the freedom of slaves in Texas. This announcement came more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued by President Abraham Lincoln. Juneteenth marks the day when the news of emancipation reached the last remaining enslaved individuals in the deepest parts of the Confederacy.
Juneteenth has since become a day to celebrate African American freedom and achievement, as well as a time to reflect on the ongoing struggle for racial equality. It is observed with various activities, including parades, picnics, historical reenactments, family gatherings, and community events. Many people also take the opportunity to educate themselves about African American history, culture, and achievements.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition and acknowledgment of Juneteenth as an important date in American history. On June 17, 2021, it was officially recognized as a federal holiday in the United States, making it the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983.
