Juneteenth is a powerful and important holiday that honors the end of slavery in the United States. In 2021, President Joe Biden officially made Juneteenth a federal holiday, recognizing its historical and cultural significance for all Americans, especially Black communities.
The history of Juneteenth goes back to the 1800s. During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. This document was meant to free enslaved people in the Confederate states. However, the news of freedom didn’t reach everyone right away.
In Texas, many enslaved Black people had no idea they were free. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865—over two years later—that Union General Gordon Granger and his troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform them. He brought the message that slavery had ended and the Emancipation Proclamation would be enforced.
That moment marked a major turning point in American history. Since then, June 19 has been celebrated as Juneteenth, a day to reflect on freedom, resilience, and the progress made.
Today, Juneteenth is more than just a holiday; it is a celebration of freedom. It’s a time to honor the past, recognize how far we’ve come, and recommit to the ongoing fight for equality and justice in America.