Juneteenth is an annual American holiday that falls on June 19. It's been celebrated as a holiday for over 150 years - but you may just be hearing about it for the first time.
In recent years, the significance of Juneteenth has become more widely recognised. The murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, along with the global resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement, brought renewed focus to the history and continued impact of systemic racism in the United States — and with it, deeper attention to Juneteenth.
Since 2020, calls for national recognition of the holiday have led to lasting change. In 2021, both the Senate and the House of Representatives passed a bill to establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday, and President Joe Biden signed it into law on June 17, 2021. The day is now officially observed across the country, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States and celebrating Black freedom, resilience, and culture.
With that in mind, we’re taking a closer look at the history and meaning of Juneteenth below.
What is Juneteenth?
This is the day the commemorates the end of slavery in America, which is a rather complicated affair.
History buffs will know that the order to end slavery actually came on January 1 in 1863. This was the date that President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation - an executive order that ended the practice of slavery in the USA.
But of course without telephones (which didn't come around till after 1876), it took some time for this message to reach all corners of the country - especially amidst the American Civil War. Even after the message had reached the Conferderate States, Texas refused to enact the Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth marks the day that Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19 1865 - with 2,000 supporting troops in tow - to declare the final enslaved people free. More than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was announced, the enslaved people in Texas learned at last, they were free too.
June 19 is now referred to as "Juneteenth", "Freedom Day" or sometimes "Juneteenth Independence Day".
How is it celebrated?
Juneteenth is an extremely important day to Americans.
Celebrations initially started in Texas, but eventually spread across the country. It's often celebrated with large family gatherings, barbecues and even commemorated by a parade in Galveston.
After the Civil Rights movement in the 60s, Juneteenth celebrations became more widespread and bigger. Some Juneteenth traditions include readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, readings excerpts from notable Black writers, historical reenactments, fairs and parties. Atlanta and Washington D.C. are two cities that host large public events in honour of this day.
Is Juneteenth an official holiday?
Yes. As of June 17, 2021, Juneteenth is officially recognised as a federal holiday in the United States. President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, making it the 11th federal holiday in the country.
Prior to this, 47 U.S. states had recognised Juneteenth as a ceremonial holiday. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam had proposed legislation to make it a paid state holiday, and New York Mayor Bill de Blasio declared that Juneteenth would become an official public holiday for city workers and students starting in 2021.
Major companies such as Twitter, Target, the National Football League, and Square were among the first to adopt Juneteenth as a paid company holiday, even before the federal designation.
The push for national recognition gained momentum in 2020, with widespread public support on social media. Celebrities like Pharrell Williams and Lupita Nyong'o spoke out about the importance of officially recognising Juneteenth. Usher also penned an essay for The Washington Post urging for national recognition.
The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives passed the bill with overwhelming support in June 2021, and President Biden’s signing of the legislation cemented Juneteenth as a permanent federal holiday, commemorated each year on June 19.
