Juneteenth: A National Day of Remembrance and Celebration
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the end of slavery in the country.
Historical Significance
On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that all enslaved people in the Confederate states were free. This news came two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued by President Abraham Lincoln, but many enslaved people in the South were unaware of their newfound freedom.
Juneteenth became an important day for African Americans to celebrate their liberation from slavery and to gather with family and friends. It is a day to reflect on the past and to commit to working towards a more just and equitable future.
Federal Holiday
In 2021, Juneteenth became the eleventh federal holiday in the United States. The legislation establishing the holiday was passed by Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support.
President Biden signed the bill into law on June 17, 2021, and the holiday was first observed on June 19, 2021.
How Juneteenth is Celebrated
Juneteenth is celebrated in a variety of ways across the United States. Some common traditions include:
- Attending parades and festivals
- Organizing community gatherings and picnics
- Reading books and attending lectures about African American history
- Volunteering for organizations that support the African American community
Juneteenth is a time for both celebration and reflection. It is a day to remember the past and to commit to working towards a more just and equitable future.
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