What is Juneteenth? How June 19 Became a Holiday

Juneteenth is now a recognized federal holiday, celebrated each year on June 19 in honor of the official end of slavery in the United States. First declared a federal holiday in 2021 by President Joe Biden, Juneteenth has deep roots in American history and is especially meaningful for Black Americans. The holiday commemorates the moment when enslaved people in Texas, among the last in the country, were finally given their freedom—over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

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1. The Origins of Juneteenth

The story of Juneteenth begins on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas. Even though President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, it wasn't until this day that Union General Gordon Granger arrived with his troops to announce both the end of the Civil War and the end of slavery to the people of Texas.

Many Texas residents—the last to get the news—were shocked. Thousands who had remained enslaved for more than two years after their emancipation were finally told of their newfound freedom. The day quickly became a symbol of liberation and hope. As noted:

"Thousands of people in Texas, who were among the last to learn of their independence, were finally freed, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation."

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2. Early Celebrations and the Spread of Juneteenth

The first celebrations of this momentous occasion happened just one year later in 1866. Back then, the day was called "Jubilee Day" or "Freedom Day." Families and communities came together to rejoice, reflect, and honor the journey toward freedom.

As Black Americans moved out of the South, they brought their traditions with them. Juneteenth celebrations spread far beyond Texas, eventually landing in places like California. Governor Gavin Newsom described this historical movement:

"Black Americans who journeyed out of the South in search of better lives brought Juneteenth celebrations with them. The thousands who settled in California, especially in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, taught our state that America's struggle for freedom did not end in 1776 or 1865, but continues to this day."

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3. Recognizing Juneteenth Nationally

For decades, activists and community leaders fought to have Juneteenth recognized as an official holiday. A key figure in this movement is Opal Lee, affectionately known as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth." At age 89, Ms. Lee walked from Texas to Washington, D.C. in 2016, aiming to speak with then-President Barack Obama about making Juneteenth a national holiday. Her dedication eventually earned her a Presidential Medal of Freedom, symbolizing her tireless work.

Finally, in 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday under President Joe Biden. This change represented a major acknowledgment of Black history and a step forward in recognizing the struggles and achievements of Black Americans.

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4. Observance in California and Modern Celebrations

The movement for broader recognition continued at the state level. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom declared the holiday as "Juneteenth National Freedom Day: A Day of Observance." He urged all Californians to take part in celebrating and reflecting on the ongoing journey toward equality.

The celebrations are vibrant, with festivals, music, food, and gatherings across communities. Events like the Black On The Block Juneteenth Festival in Los Angeles draw crowds eager to honor the day's legacy.

Juneteenth is also recognized in other ways. For example, sports teams join in to show support and spread awareness. In 2024, Jaedyn Shaw of the San Diego Wave FC wore a "Juneteenth Celebrate Freedom" shirt during warmups for a National Women's Soccer League game.

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5. The Meaning of Juneteenth Today

While General Granger's 1865 announcement marked a huge milestone, the vision of true equality is, unfortunately, still a work in progress. As Governor Newsom put it:

"California is proud to recognize Juneteenth. Misguided efforts to rewrite our nation's history make our state's commitment to confronting the dark chapters of our past all the more important, as we move forward in pursuit of a more perfect union. This Juneteenth, I urge all Californians to reflect on the ongoing cause of freedom for Black Americans – remembering that, though General Granger's announcement in 1865 called for 'absolute equality,' that vision was, and remains, far from complete."

Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for racial justice, equality, and recognition of Black contributions to American society—urging everyone to step forward in the pursuit of a fairer country.

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Final Thoughts

Juneteenth is much more than just a date on the calendar. It is a celebration of freedom, progress, and the resilience of Black Americans. As we honor this day each year, let's remember both the victories and the work still ahead in building a more just and inclusive nation.