Juneteenth: The Newest Federal Holiday
Celebrating the End of Slavery in the United States
A Brief History of Juneteenth
Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the end of slavery in Texas. It is celebrated annually on June 19th, the date in 1865 when the last enslaved people in Texas were finally freed. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, making it the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983.
The origins of Juneteenth can be traced back to the Emancipation Proclamation, which was issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. The proclamation declared that all slaves in Confederate-held territory would be free. However, it was not until June 19, 1865, that Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed the enslaved people there that they were free.
Juneteenth has been celebrated in Texas ever since, and it has gradually gained recognition throughout the rest of the United States. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to make Juneteenth a national holiday. In 2021, Congress passed legislation establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday, and President Biden signed it into law.
What Juneteenth Means Today
Juneteenth is a day to celebrate the end of slavery and to reflect on the progress that has been made in the fight for racial equality. It is also a day to remember the millions of people who were enslaved in the United States, and to honor their struggle for freedom.
Juneteenth is celebrated in a variety of ways, including parades, festivals, and community gatherings. It is also a day for reflection and education, and many people use the day to learn more about the history of slavery and the fight for racial equality.
Juneteenth in 2024
Juneteenth will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. There will be a variety of events and activities taking place throughout the country, including parades, festivals, and community gatherings. Many people will also use the day to reflect on the history of slavery and the fight for racial equality.
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