Juneteenth: Commemorating the End of Slavery in the United States

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth, short for June Nineteenth, is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the end of slavery in the country. It is celebrated annually on June 19, the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take control of the state and enforce the Emancipation Proclamation.

History of Juneteenth

The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln in January 1863, declared that all slaves in Confederate-held territories were free. However, the proclamation did not take effect in Texas until June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and read General Order No. 3, which declared all slaves in Texas free.

Juneteenth has been celebrated since 1866, primarily in African American communities in Texas. It was not until 2021 that it became a federal holiday. Juneteenth is now celebrated across the United States as a day to commemorate the end of slavery and the progress that has been made in the fight for racial equality.

Juneteenth Traditions

Juneteenth is celebrated in a variety of ways, including parades, festivals, picnics, and religious services. Popular Juneteenth menu items include barbecued ribs or other red meat, watermelon, and red velvet cake.

Significance of Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a day to reflect on the history of slavery in the United States and the progress that has been made in the fight for racial equality. It is also a day to celebrate the resilience and determination of the African American community.