Juneteenth Holiday - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is celebrated on June 19th to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.
- 2. The holiday originated in Texas and marks the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and read General Order No. 3, which announced the end of slavery in the state.
- 3. Although President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation had officially abolished slavery in Confederate states on January 1, 1863, it took two and a half years for the news to reach Texas.
- 4. Juneteenth is a time to celebrate African American freedom and achievement, while also encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures.
- 5. Traditionally, Juneteenth celebrations include parades, barbecues, music, dancing, and other cultural activities to honor the history and achievements of African Americans.
- 6. Juneteenth is not a federal holiday, but it is recognized as a state holiday in 47 states and the District of Columbia.
- 7. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to make Juneteenth a national holiday to acknowledge the importance of the end of slavery in American history.
- 8. Juneteenth celebrations often include readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, historical reenactments, and discussions about the impact of slavery on American society.
- 9. The holiday also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice in the United States, as well as a time to reflect on the progress that has been made and the work that still needs to be done.
- 10. In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday after President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, making it the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983.