Photo by Ashleigh Reddy
“Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance." [1]
“Often told is the story of a messenger who was murdered on his way to Texas with the news of freedom. Another, is that the news was deliberately withheld by the enslavers to maintain the labor force on the plantations. And still another, is that federal troops actually waited for the slave owners to reap the benefits of one last cotton harvest before going to Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. All of which, or neither of these version could be true.” [1]
Juneteenth celebrations range from backyard picnics to more formal events like parades and festival gatherings.
“ON JUNE 19, BLACK AMERICANS gather across the United States to feast, as they have done every year since the nation’s slaves were freed. These celebrations at public parks have historically included parades, the reading of President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, and the main event—the food. Prior to the celebrations in 1933, the Dallas Morning News reported that “watermelon, barbecue and red lemonade will be consumed in quantity.” Indeed, laid across their plates were charcoal-grilled meats, greens, black-eyed peas, and teacakes, but also an assortment of foods and drinks with red hues.” [2]
Yes. As of June 17, 2021, Juneteenth is an official federal holiday, known as Juneteenth National Independence Day. President Joe Biden signed it into law, making it the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was created in 1983. All 50 states now officially recognize the holiday in some form. [3]
State & local government — Continue formal recognition and funding for Juneteenth programming that honors Black history and freedom.
Companies & local businesses — Observe Juneteenth as a paid holiday and invest in education around its meaning—beyond a single day off.
In general — this an opportunity to pledge support of black businesses and create an extension of buy black nationally around this holiday. It is a time to donate to community organizations who have black board members working to create advancement for multi-generational Black Americans.
Juneteenth is not just a day of remembrance—it’s a living holiday that calls us to celebrate freedom, resist erasure, and build power in our communities.