What is Juneteenth? The meaning behind the June 19 federal holiday and how it's celebrated

Brief Summary
Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the end of slavery, officially celebrated every June 19. Originating in Texas in 1865, Juneteenth marks the announcement of freedom to the last enslaved people in the country, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, people honor Juneteenth with gatherings, reflection, and education, while its significance extends beyond the Black community.

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1. The Origins and History of Juneteenth

Juneteenth falls on June 19, a date that holds special meaning in U.S. history. Back in 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and proclaimed that more than 250,000 enslaved people in Texas were free. This was actually more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which was supposed to free enslaved people in Confederate states, but not all areas enforced it immediately.

Juneteenth was first celebrated by newly freed Black communities in Texas. The early festivities involved religious services, barbecues, and unique traditions such as discarding clothing that had been worn during enslavement. Over time, Juneteenth's influence grew beyond Texas and the South as migration spread the tradition.

"Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865. That was when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that over 250,000 enslaved people were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln and declared slaves in Confederate states were free."

Juneteenth became a central piece of Black communities' history, especially during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, where it was honored as "Second Independence Day," "Freedom Day," or sometimes the "Black Fourth of July." However, it wasn't until the nationwide protests of the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement that Juneteenth gained much broader visibility. This energy spurred the U.S. Congress and President Joe Biden to officially declare it a federal holiday in 2021, through the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act.

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2. How Juneteenth is Celebrated Today

Juneteenth celebrations today are lively and reflect the spirit of freedom and community. Across the country, outdoor activities like cookouts and picnics are held, complemented by community-wide events, parades, festivals, and concerts. For example, in 2024, the White House hosted a major concert to celebrate both Juneteenth and Black Music Month.

"It's a good time to find a community of people and celebrate the racial progress we've made over the last few decades… And given all the separation Black Americans have faced through history, it would be fitting to celebrate in a community gathering — the bigger, the better."

For many, Juneteenth is also a time for education, remembrance, and reflection. Museums and historical sites, like the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, often offer free admission and educational events aimed at helping people learn more about Black history.

However, it's important to note that some 2025 Juneteenth events have been scaled back or even canceled. This is because some companies and governments are cutting funding for programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (often called "DEI"), which support and celebrate cultural diversity.

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3. Who Should Celebrate Juneteenth?

Many people wonder, "Is Juneteenth just for Black Americans?" The answer is clear: everyone is welcome and encouraged to honor Juneteenth. According to Karida Brown, a sociology professor at Emory University:

"The history of slavery in America is all of our history, and it's important to recognize the good, the bad, the ugly, the story of emancipation and freedom for your Black brothers and sisters under the Constitution of the law."

However, Greg Moore warns against reducing Juneteenth to stereotypes or disrespectful celebrations:

"There shouldn't be any blackface or watermelon jokes... I'm afraid Black culture can be 'warped beyond recognition' during disrespectful celebrations."

This serves as a reminder to celebrate and honor Juneteenth respectfully, with attention to its deep historical meaning.

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4. The Juneteenth Flag and Its Meaning

While the pan-African flag (red, green, and black) is often associated with Black culture, the official Juneteenth flag has its own special symbolism. Created in 1997 by Ben "Boston Ben" Haith, its red, white, and blue mirrors the American flag, symbolizing that formerly enslaved people and their descendants are, and always have been, Americans.

"For so long, our ancestors weren't considered citizens of this country. But realistically, and technically, they were citizens. They just were deprived of being recognized as citizens. So I thought it was important that the colors portray red, white, and blue, which we see in the American flag."

On the flag, the star in the center has a double meaning: it stands for Texas (where Juneteenth began) and symbolizes a "new star being born" — a fresh beginning for Black Americans. The red arc beneath the star represents the horizon, meaning progress and hope for the future.

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5. What's Open and Closed on Juneteenth?

Even though Juneteenth is a federal holiday, not every business or workplace closes. Private businesses like shops, restaurants, and grocery stores often stay open on their normal schedule, unless they choose to close in observance.

Most government offices, post offices, major banks, and the stock market are closed for Juneteenth. Public schools and libraries are typically closed too, so it pays to check ahead if you need any services.

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Final Thoughts

🎉 Juneteenth is a powerful holiday that celebrates freedom, reflects on a difficult past, and looks forward with hope. From its Texas roots to nationwide recognition, it's a time for all Americans to learn, honor, and unite. Whether through festive gatherings, quiet reflection, or educational activities, Juneteenth's spirit of freedom and progress is for everyone to embrace.