Juneteenth is a federal holiday that celebrates the emancipation of the last enslaved people in Texas. It officially became a federal holiday in 2021 when former President Biden signed it into law, but had been celebrated by the newly freed enslaved people, their descendants and others since 1865. It is commemorated on June 19th, and many spend the day with family and participate in other traditions.
Some of those traditions include attending a community gathering, learning and educating people about the holiday, celebrating with family and friends with a cookout, or attending Juneteenth events like parades. You can also spend the day by supporting Black-owned businesses. These are all great ideas, but you can pay homage to the holiday in any way that is available to you!
Why is Juneteenth an important holiday? Well, it is significant because it marks the end of a long fought battle by slaves everywhere. Despite the Emancipation Proclamation, which should’ve guaranteed freedom for all slaves, there still wasn’t a full end to slavery. Finally, when slavery was fully abolished in the U.S., Juneteenth was created. This day is very personal to many families and gives the holiday its significance.
Celebrate Juneteenth on June 19th to pay homage to the perseverance of the emancipated enslaved people.
