Juneteenth
The What, Why, and How?
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. The holiday has its roots in Galveston, Texas, where on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers led by General Gordon Granger arrived with news that the Civil War had ended and that all enslaved individuals were now free.
Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States and highlights the resilience and contributions of African Americans to the nation. It symbolizes the freedom of formerly enslaved people and their descendants.
The push for Juneteenth to be recognized as a national holiday gained momentum after the civil rights movement in the 1960s. On June 17, 2021, a bill establishing Juneteenth National Independence Day as a federal holiday was signed into law, making it the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983.
Juneteenth can be celebrated in various ways. Some suggestions include organizing educational events, community gatherings, historical reenactments, parades, and festivals. Additionally, supporting Black-owned businesses, reading literature by African American authors, and participating in discussions about racial equality and justice are meaningful ways to observe the holiday.
