Juneteenth: What You Need to Know About the Federal Holiday
Juneteenth 2024: Wednesday, June 19th
Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day, Freedom Day, and Emancipation Day, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.
History of Juneteenth
On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the emancipation of all enslaved people in the state. This news came two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.
Federal Recognition of Juneteenth
Although Juneteenth has been unofficially celebrated for more than 150 years, it was not until 2021 that it became an official federal holiday by President Joe Biden. The holiday is now observed on June 19th every year.
Observing Juneteenth
Juneteenth is a day to remember the end of slavery and celebrate the freedom and progress that has been made since that time. People often observe the holiday by attending parades, festivals, and other events that highlight African American history and culture.
Komentar