The History of Juneteenth – A New Federal Holiday in the United States
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The History of Juneteenth – A New Federal Holiday in the United States
Juneteenth is a celebration of June 19, 1865 — the day enslaved African Americans in Texas were informed they were free.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, also known as African American Emancipation Day, Independence Day, and Juneteenth Day, is the longest-running nationally and internationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. While it has long been a significant day of celebration within African American communities, Juneteenth only became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. President Biden signed bipartisan legislation, with the bill passing the House by a 415–14 vote — making it the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.
Though long overlooked in mainstream U.S. history, Juneteenth’s official recognition marks progress — slow, but undeniable.
What Happened on Juneteenth?
General Order Number 3
“The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer.”
— General Gordon Granger, June 19, 1865, Galveston, Texas
Juneteenth — a portmanteau of “June” and “nineteenth” — celebrates the day Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, bringing news that the Civil War had ended and that more than 250,000 enslaved African Americans were free by executive decree. This came more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln.
On this day, hope surged among African Americans in Texas as they envisioned a future rooted in self-determination, citizenship, and democracy.
What Year Did Slavery End?
Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, it wasn’t until 1865 that slavery truly ended in practice, catalyzed by the Union victory in the Civil War. Even then, the shadow of slavery lingered for generations through systemic discrimination, from the Reconstruction Era through the Civil Rights Movement — and even today, in the ongoing fight for racial justice. The murder of George Floyd in 2020 is a recent reminder of the enduring struggle for true equality.
Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of both emancipation and the continued fragility of African American freedom.
Juneteenth Celebrations
The first official Juneteenth celebration took place on June 19, 1866, in Texas. Traditionally, the day has been marked by prayer meetings, hymn singing, and cultural expressions of freedom through dress, art, and performance. Over time, Juneteenth celebrations expanded across the U.S. and internationally.
Today, festivities often include:
Religious services
Speeches and educational events
Family gatherings
BBQs, picnics, and parades
Music, food, and dancing
Juneteenth Traditions
Many choose to wear red, black, and green — the colors of the Pan-African flag — to symbolize Black freedom and unity. Red foods and drinks such as red velvet cake, strawberry pie, and hibiscus or kola nut tea are traditional symbols of perseverance and resilience. These customs trace their roots back to West African culture and culinary practices brought over by enslaved Africans.
The Juneteenth Flag
The Juneteenth flag, a vibrant symbol of emancipation, was created in 1997 by activist Ben Haith and illustrator Lisa Jeanne Graf. In 2000, it was adapted into the version we know today, with the date “June 19, 1865” added in 2007.
Key elements include:
Red, white, and blue colors to promote inclusivity
A white star representing Texas and the freedom of African Americans in all 50 U.S. states
This flag embodies the transformation of symbols of oppression into sources of pride and unity.
Why Now?
The murder of George Floyd in May 2020 — along with the killings of Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery — reignited national and global conversations about racial injustice. This momentum led to renewed advocacy for official Juneteenth recognition.
On June 15, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, with only 14 House Republicans opposing — all from former Confederate states.
How Can You Support and Celebrate Juneteenth?
You can honor Juneteenth by:
Reflecting on its history and meaning
Attending local celebrations
Supporting Black-owned businesses
Amplifying Black voices and stories
Continuing to educate yourself and others