Happy Juneteenth: Celebrating Black History and Freedom

Key Takeaways:

• Juneteenth commemorates General Gordon Granger’s arrival in Galveston, TX on June 19, 1865, where he informed current enslaved people that they were now free by executive decree.
• Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed into law on January 1, 1863, it took more than two years to free all enslaved people throughout the U.S.
• In 2021, the U.S. government established Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

Juneteenth commemorates emancipation in Confederate-controlled states in 1865. While President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, it did not practically grant freedom to all enslaved people. It wasn’t until Union troops arrived in Galveston, TX, two years later on June 19th, that freedom was experienced by all in the Confederate-controlled states.

Juneteenth symbolizes resilience and serves as a reminder of some of the struggles that Black Americans have historically faced. By commemorating the day, we also take the time to reflect on the progress we have made as a nation and how we continue the fight to end inequality. Let’s celebrate the 19th of June as a federal holiday to remember how far we’ve come as a society.

The History of Juneteenth

This year is the 158th anniversary of Juneteenth. “Juneteenth” is a combination of “June” and “nineteenth” to memorialize the day that Union troops reached Galveston, TX. It is also referred to as Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day, Black Independence Day, Juneteenth Independence Day and Juneteenth National Independence Day.

Although the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed into law over two years prior, many in Confederate-controlled states were never made aware of the proclamation and were forced to continue working as enslaved people. Toward the conclusion of the American Civil War, Texas became one of the last states where people were still enslaved.

Juneteenth is the commemoration of General Gordon Granger reaching Galveston, TX, where he and the more than 2,000 Union troops ensured that the approximately 250,000 enslaved people there were emancipated. When General Gordon arrived in Texas, he issued General Order No. 3 , which highlighted the principles of the proclamation.

When Did Juneteenth Become a Holiday?

In 1980, Texas became the first state to commemorate Juneteenth and make it a state holiday. Several states followed suit, but it wasn’t until June 12, 2021 that Congress passed legislation to establish Juneteenth as a national holiday. President Joe Biden then signed the legislation into law. However, this ignores the long, celebrated history of Juneteenth in Black communities around the U.S.

One of the first recorded celebrations occurred on the one-year anniversary of Juneteenth, when formerly enslaved people in Galveston, TX, celebrated their first full year of freedom. Some of the earliest celebrations in Black communities consisted of prayer for the generations past, family and neighborhood gatherings and pilgrimages to Galveston, TX, by the former enslaved and their families.

How to Celebrate Juneteenth

Many celebrate Juneteenth by hosting an outdoor cookout. However, commemorating the history of Juneteenth should involve more than a get-together. Its history should be read through and its significance celebrated with friends and family, as the holiday and its history are still relatively unknown.

Of course, supporting Black-owned businesses is another great way to celebrate Juneteenth. It may seem like a small way to make an impact. But, with every customer, Black-owned businesses strengthen their positions in our economy and help build Black wealth, which has been denied through much of our country’s history.

Honoring Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a time to reflect on the struggles of Black Americans and remember how much inequality still exists in our society and the work ahead. Many organizations are dedicated to addressing those inequities, and I am proud to work with several, including Southern Communities Initiative and Student Freedom Initiative .

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