Juneteenth: A Guide to the Holiday, Which Started 160 Years Ago

Brief Summary:
Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Now a federal holiday, it's celebrated across the nation with festivities and reflection, though current politics have brought new challenges. This guide explains Juneteenth's history, how it's celebrated, important symbols, and what it means to people today.

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1. How Juneteenth Began and Grew Over the Years

Juneteenth's roots go all the way back to June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they had been freed — more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation ended slavery in Confederate states and after the Civil War had concluded. This moment sparked the annual holiday, whose name comes from a blend of "June" and "nineteenth."

Over the last century and a half, the holiday has steadily grown. In 2021, President Joe Biden made it a federal holiday, "expanding its recognition beyond Black America." This year marks the first Juneteenth under President Donald Trump's second administration, notable for banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in federal government, which even involved "removing Black American history content from federal websites" and discouraging agencies from acknowledging racial heritage celebrations.

Despite these government moves, many people now expect Juneteenth off work, and communities plan bustling "street festivals, fairs, concerts and other events... throughout the week leading into the holiday." However, with "the current political climate, some may wonder if their company will honor it."

"I don't think anyone should be intimidated or obligated into not celebrating the day,"
– Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League

He adds,

"I've not heard of anyone being denied. I think it would be absolutely reprehensible."

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2. Meaning and Spirit: A Day of Remembrance or a Party?

When it comes to Juneteenth, people often wonder: Is it more of a solemn remembrance or a lively party? The answer: it's really up to you. The holiday's origins are actually found in cookouts and picnics. For many Black Americans, Juneteenth is seen as a "true Independence Day," with big outdoor reunions that once reunited families split by slavery.

Celebrations took on a special meaning because they were held without restrictions — a stark contrast to the old "Black Codes" in southern states which tightly controlled Black people's rights and public gatherings after emancipation.

Festivities have evolved. For example, the White House once kicked off Juneteenth early with a concert on the South Lawn, featuring Vice President Kamala Harris joyfully dancing with gospel singer Kirk Franklin. Not everyone chooses big gatherings; some opt for quiet reflection, volunteering, or attending educational events.

Marc Morial sums it up:

"The most important thing everyone should do is be able to quickly answer the question 'What is Juneteenth?'"

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3. Who Celebrates Juneteenth — And How?

What if Juneteenth isn't familiar to you? Dr. David Anderson, a Black pastor and leader of the consulting firm Gracism Global, admitted he didn't learn about Juneteenth until he was already in his 30s.

"I think many folks haven't known about it — who are even my color as an African American male. Even if you heard about it and knew about it, you didn't celebrate it. It was like just a part of history. It wasn't a celebration of history."

For many African Americans, especially those farther from Texas, Juneteenth celebrations were rare or unknown growing up. In some southern states, people celebrated emancipation on the date word reached their area, meaning traditions can differ even within the region.

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4. What Happens at Juneteenth Events?

Across the US, you can find a vast variety of Juneteenth events. Some cities throw carnivals full of food trucks, arts and crafts, and parades. These festivals also often share health, financial, and community resources, in addition to concerts and fashion shows that spotlight Black creativity and culture. Other events host panels and sessions focused on educating people about Juneteenth's real history.

A unique perk: the National Park Service provides free entry to all sites on the holiday—making it the perfect time for a little educational sightseeing.

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5. Traditions: Symbols, Decorations, and Foods

Special decorations and foods are an important part of the holiday. The red, black, and green Pan-African flag, originally flown during Black History Month and Juneteenth, shows important values: red for sacrifice, black for the people, and green for the richness of Africa.

Many also use the Juneteenth flag, created in 1997. It's red, white, and blue to signal that those freed "are also Americans." At the center sits a five-point star representing Texas, surrounded by a burst—symbolizing freedom spreading outward.

Food is a highlight. Dishes featuring the color red—like barbecued ribs, watermelon, and red velvet cake—are popular because they, too, reflect the bloodshed and courage of enslaved ancestors. You might also see fruit punch and red Kool-Aid at gatherings.

In recent years, Juneteenth has become more commercial, with big retailers selling themed supplies. But political pressures appear to be shrinking these offerings for 2025, mainly limiting them to online. Marc Morial notes:

"I would also encourage people to go online and look for an African American vendor. If you got to participate in that commercialism, that's what I would do."

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6. Can Non-Black People Celebrate Juneteenth?

If you're not Black, or have no personal connection, Juneteenth can still be yours. Dr. Karida Brown, a sociology professor, encourages everyone to recognize and embrace the holiday:

"I would reframe that and challenge my non-Black folks who want to lean into Juneteenth and celebrate. It absolutely is your history. It absolutely is a part of your experience. ... Isn't this all of our history? The good, the bad, the ugly, the story of emancipation and freedom for your Black brothers and sisters under the Constitution of the law."

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7. Other Names and Greetings for Juneteenth

Juneteenth goes by several names: Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, Black Fourth of July, and Second Independence Day. As Dr. Brown puts it:

"Because 1776, Fourth of July, where we're celebrating freedom and liberty and all of that, that did not include my descendants. Black people in America were still enslaved. So that that holiday always comes with a bittersweet tinge to it."

When greeting someone on Juneteenth, you might say "Happy Juneteenth" or even "Happy Teenth." Alan Freeman, a comedian who organizes Juneteenth events, explains:

"You know how at Christmas people will say 'Merry Christmas' to each other and not even know each other? You can get a 'Merry Christmas' from everybody. This is the same way."

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Final Thoughts

Juneteenth is a time for celebration, reflection, and learning — a holiday that honors America's continuing journey toward freedom and equality. However you choose to mark it, the key is understanding its history and spirit, and sharing in its meaning, together.