Juneteenth, a federal holiday in the United States, holds great historical and cultural significance, marking the day when the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom on June 19, 1865. This pivotal moment came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. The observance of Juneteenth began in 1866 and was officially recognised as a federal holiday in 2021.
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Celebrations of Juneteenth include parades, readings, church services, and community gatherings that honour Black history and culture. Union troops arrived in Galveston in 1865 to announce the end of slavery to the enslaved population there, making it a momentous occasion in the fight against systemic racism. While Juneteenth has been commemorated within Black American communities for over a century, its recognition as a federal holiday in 2021 highlights its significance on a national level.
Juneteenth, short for June 19th, signifies the enforcement of freedom for the last enslaved people in Texas. Although Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 declared enslaved people in Confederate-held territories free, enforcement was contingent upon the presence of Union troops, leading to a delay in delivering freedom. The arrival of federal troops in Galveston in 1865 signified the end of slavery for approximately 250,000 enslaved people in Texas.
Despite General Granger’s announcement of freedom, some enslavers and plantation owners delayed informing the enslaved individuals, waiting for government intervention or the end of the harvest season. The ratification of the 13th Amendment on December 18, 1865, extended freedom to all remaining enslaved people, officially marking the end of slavery in the United States.
The first Juneteenth celebration took place in Texas in 1866, evolving into a significant event known by various names such as “Jubilee Day” and “Freedom Day.” It featured prayer services, barbecues, and music, spreading across the country as newly freed Black individuals migrated. Texas was the first state to recognise Juneteenth as a state holiday in 1979, with all 50 states and Washington, D.C., observing Juneteenth in some capacity.
In June 2021, a bipartisan effort led to the establishment of Juneteenth as a national federal holiday, commemorated on June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day. The enactment of this legislation was a monumental step towards recognising and acknowledging the history of Black Americans, with President Joe Biden expressing profound honour in signing the bill into law.
Activists, particularly Opal Lee, played a crucial role in advocating for national recognition of Juneteenth. Nicknamed the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” Lee’s tireless efforts, including walking from Texas to Washington, D.C., helped raise awareness and support for the holiday. The official Juneteenth flag, designed by Ben Haith, symbolises the freedom of Black Americans across the nation, with each element representing aspects of their history and identity.
Numerous celebrations and events take place across the country to mark Juneteenth, including supporting Black-owned businesses, attending local festivities, hosting community gatherings, educating oneself about the holiday’s significance, and contributing to organisations that advocate for racial justice. Juneteenth serves as a day of reflection, remembrance, and celebration of the resilience and cultural heritage of Black Americans, highlighting the ongoing journey towards equality and justice.