What Is Juneteenth? Everything to Know About the Federal Holiday

Juneteenth marks the day, June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Though celebrated for generations in Black communities, Juneteenth became a U.S. federal holiday only in 2021. Today, Juneteenth honors Black history, culture, and the long struggle for justice, and is commemorated with parades, gatherings, and reflection across the nation.

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1. The Historical Roots of Juneteenth

On June 19, 1865, Union troops led by General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of slavery to the last group of enslaved people in the Confederacy. This momentous day came over two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation had declared freedom for all enslaved people in Confederate states.

For many, Texas had served as a haven where enslavers moved in hopes of avoiding emancipation, since the Union army's presence was limited in the region. Some enslaved people weren't told about their freedom right away; word only reached them after the army intervened to enforce the new law. By 2025, it will have been 160 years since that historic announcement in Texas.

"Juneteenth marks the day — June 19, 1865 — when some of the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were told of their freedom, nearly two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation."

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2. Did Juneteenth End Slavery Everywhere?

While Juneteenth is often seen as the symbolic end of slavery in the U.S., its reality is more nuanced. General Granger's declaration freed enslaved people specifically in Texas, but actual freedom depended on plantation owners and local officials to spread and enforce the news. Many delayed this process, sometimes until after the harvest was complete or when compelled by government authorities.

Additionally, the Emancipation Proclamation did not apply to states that were still in the Union. True nationwide abolition wouldn't occur until the ratification of the 13th Amendment on December 18, 1865.

"Because the Emancipation Proclamation did not apply to states in the Union, remaining enslaved people were not liberated until the 13th Amendment was ratified on Dec. 18, 1865."

Even after the legal end of slavery, Black Americans often faced other forms of forced labor and oppression, showing the ongoing struggle for true equality.

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3. The First Juneteenth Celebrations

The earliest Juneteenth celebration took place in Texas in 1866, just a year after freedom was announced. The event was originally called "Jubilee Day" and later earned names like "Freedom Day," "Emancipation Day," and "Black Independence Day." Prayer services, barbecues, music, and local gatherings defined the festivities, gradually spreading to Black communities throughout the United States as people relocated.

"It included prayer services, barbecues, music and celebrations that eventually spread across the country as newly freed Black people moved throughout the nation."

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4. Juneteenth Becomes a Federal Holiday

Even though Juneteenth has been cherished for generations, its recognition took a long time. Texas was the first state to officially recognize Juneteenth as a holiday in 1979. Over time, all 50 states and Washington, D.C., came to observe Juneteenth in various forms.

A landmark moment arrived in June 2021 when the U.S. Senate and House passed a bill making June 19 a federal holiday. President Joe Biden signed this legislation into law on June 17, 2021, creating Juneteenth National Independence Day.

"I have to say to you, I have only been president for several months, but I think this will go down, for me, as one of the greatest honors I will have as president." —Joe Biden

"For too long, we have tried to whitewash our nation's history instead of confronting the uncomfortable and painful truth. This legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday is but one step we can take to begin to right the wrongs of the past and ensure equal justice in the future." —Sen. Edward Markey

Much of this progress is owed to activists like Opal Lee, known as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth," who championed the cause for decades—even walking from Texas to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness.

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5. The Meaning Behind the Juneteenth Flag

The official Juneteenth flag was designed by Ben Haith, founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation, alongside illustrator Lisa Jeanne Graf. Its key elements carry deep symbolism:

• White star: Represents Texas (notably Galveston), but also the broader freedom of Black people across America.
• Burst around the star: Symbolizes a nova (a new star), indicating new beginnings for Black Americans.
• Central curve: Depicts new horizons and opportunities.
• Red, white, and blue: Signify that formerly enslaved people and their descendants are American citizens.

The date "June 19, 1865" was added in 2007.

"I believe we represent our ancestors. When we celebrate, we're celebrating for them, and we're celebrating for the future of our people. The flag represents the people of the past, it represents us, and it will represent the people in the future." —Ben Haith

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6. Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth Today

Juneteenth celebrations come in many shapes and sizes! Here are some popular ways to honor the holiday:

• Support Black-owned businesses: Shop local or online, or donate to Black-owned organizations.
• Attend local events: Enjoy parades, concerts, panels, and other community festivities.
• Start meaningful conversations: Discuss Juneteenth's history and significance with friends and family.
• Gather together: Host a barbecue, picnic, or block party to bring your community closer.
• Learn and reflect: Watch documentaries, read books, visit museums, or join virtual events to deepen your understanding.
• Give back: Contribute to organizations focused on racial justice, like Campaign Zero or the National CARES Mentoring Movement.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, Juneteenth is ultimately about reflecting on the journey toward freedom and honoring Black heritage in the U.S. 🎉

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Final Thoughts

Juneteenth is a powerful and joyful commemoration of freedom and resilience, blending a historic milestone with ongoing efforts toward equity and understanding. As an official federal holiday, it invites everyone to honor Black history, celebrate progress, and work collectively toward a future rooted in justice and unity.