What is Juneteenth?

Brief Summary:
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, 2025, is a federal holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, marking the arrival of federal troops in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. It is considered America's "Second Independence Day" and only recently became a federal holiday. This guide covers Juneteenth's origins, its significance, and what to expect during the federal observance in 2025.

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1. What is Juneteenth and When Is It Celebrated?

Juneteenth will be observed on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Unlike other holidays that always fall on a certain weekday, Juneteenth is celebrated on this specific date, no matter what day it happens to be on in a given year. This makes it unique among federal holidays!

"Juneteenth commemorates the day — June 19, 1865 — when federal soldiers arrived in Galveston to take control of Texas and ensure the slaves were freed per the Emancipation Proclamation."

This day is often referred to as America's Second Independence Day, and it's the longest-running African American holiday, now also recognized as a federal holiday.

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2. The Historical Significance of Juneteenth

Juneteenth celebrates a truly momentous point in American history: the effective end of slavery in the United States. The name itself comes from "June nineteenth," the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas — the farthest reaches of the former Confederacy — to finally enforce the Emancipation Proclamation and make sure all enslaved people were freed.

"Juneteenth — short for June nineteenth — marks the end of slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday."

While President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, its effects were limited. It only applied to states in rebellion (Confederate states) and couldn't be enforced until Union forces took control of those areas. This meant that, in places like Texas, slavery continued for over two years after the proclamation.

"It also could not be enforced until Confederate states were under Union control... Therefore, it took until June 19, 1865, for slaves in Texas to be freed."

It wasn't until December 6, 1865, with the ratification of the 13th Amendment, that slavery was formally abolished everywhere in the United States.

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3. From Local Celebration to Federal Holiday

Juneteenth was celebrated for generations within Black American communities as a day of joy, remembrance, and resilience. The holiday gained much broader national awareness in 2020, after the murder of George Floyd and subsequent protests against racial injustice.

"Juneteenth began rising to prominence in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd, a Black man, sparked protests across the country against police brutality."

Legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday was first introduced by Sen. Ed Markey in 2020 following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. The first attempt did not succeed, but momentum continued.

Finally, on June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the law making Juneteenth a federal holiday, after Congress passed The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act.

"President Joe Biden signed legislation on June 17, 2021, after Congress passed The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act that same month."

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4. How Juneteenth Affects Daily Life in 2025

As a new federal holiday, Juneteenth changes a few everyday routines for Americans across the country. Here's what to expect for 2025:

• Mail and Postal Services:
  The U.S. Postal Service won't deliver mail and post offices will be closed for the day.

  "No. As a federal holiday, the U.S. Postal Service is closed that day, and there will be no mail delivered."

  However, FedEx pickup and delivery services will be available, and FedEx Office locations will be open.

• Banks:
  The day is a Federal Reserve bank holiday, meaning many banks, including Capital One, Bank of America, PNC, Truist, CitiBank, and JPMorgan Chase, will be closed. However, not all banks are required to close, so some branches or Capital One Cafes might remain open.

  "Banks aren't required to close for Federal Reserve holidays, but they often do. Transactions made during these holidays won't be posted until the next business day."

• Stock Market:
  The New York Stock Exchange will be closed, as it observes all federal holidays.

• Trash Pickup:
  Trash collection may be delayed, depending on your local provider or municipality, so it's a good idea to check with your service provider.

  "Trash pickup may be delayed because of Juneteenth, depending on the hauler. Contact your municipality or private provider to learn more."

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5. Why Juneteenth Matters Today

Juneteenth is about more than just a date on the calendar—it's a chance for all Americans to reflect on the nation's long history with slavery and on the progress that has since been made.

"Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. It's the longest-running African American holiday, and it became a federal holiday a few years ago."

The day is marked with community celebrations, educational events, and calls to continue building a better and more inclusive society. 🌱

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Final Thoughts

Juneteenth, now recognized nationwide, stands as a significant reminder of freedom and justice in America's history—not just for Black Americans, but for everyone. As you observe June 19, take a moment to remember its deep meaning and reflect on the journey toward equality.