Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is an annual holiday celebrated on June 19 in the United States. It commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and the end of slavery in the United States.
Juneteenth derives its name from a combination of “June” and “nineteenth.” It marks the date when Union Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, and issued General Order No. 3, which proclaimed freedom for the enslaved people in Texas. This announcement came over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863.
The delay in the news reaching Texas was primarily due to the lack of Union troops in the region during the American Civil War. General Granger’s arrival and declaration of freedom had a profound impact, leading to widespread celebrations and the beginning of the annual Juneteenth tradition.
Juneteenth is an important day for reflection, education, and celebration of African American history and achievements. It serves as a reminder of the struggles and resilience of African Americans and their ongoing pursuit of equality and justice. The holiday is marked by various activities, including parades, picnics, family gatherings, educational events, and cultural performances.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of Juneteenth’s significance. On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth was officially recognised as a federal holiday in the United States, following the passage of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. This designation emphasises the importance of Juneteenth as a pivotal moment in American history and acknowledges the continued work towards racial equality.