06/19/2025
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. The establishment of this holiday is rooted in several key historical events:
1. Emancipation Proclamation (1863): Issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, it declared the freedom of all enslaved people in Confederate states. However, it didn’t immediately free all enslaved individuals.
2. Civil War (1861-1865): The war between the Northern states (Union) and the Southern states (Confederacy) played a crucial role in the fight against slavery.
3. Union Victory (1865): The defeat of the Confederacy led to the ratification of the 13th Amendment on December 6, 1865, which abolished slavery in the United States.
4. Galveston, Texas (June 19, 1865): The actual observance of Juneteenth stems from this date when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and announced that the Civil War was over and that enslaved people were free. This marked the first time many enslaved individuals learned of their freedom.
5. Recognition and Celebration: The first Juneteenth celebration occurred in 1866, and over the years, it became an annual event, particularly in African American communities. It served as a time for reflection, education, and celebration of African American culture and achievements.
6. Official Holiday: Despite local observances, Juneteenth became a recognized holiday when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law on June 17, 2021, making it a federal holiday.
These events collectively highlight the struggle for freedom and equality, leading to the establishment of Juneteenth as a significant celebration of African American history and culture.
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