Historical Significance

Juneteenth: A New Federal Holiday Commenorating the End of Slavery

Historical Significance

Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the end of slavery. It is observed annually on June 19, the date in 1865 when African slaves in Texas finally learned that they had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation nearly two and a half years earlier.

Becoming a Federal Holiday

In 2021, Juneteenth became the latest federal holiday in the US, the first to be approved since Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It joined the ranks of five date-specific federal holidays: New Year's Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, and Christmas Day.

Juneteenth is a day of celebration and remembrance. It is a time to reflect on the history of slavery in the United States and the struggle for freedom and equality that continues to this day.

Expanded Celebrations

Since becoming a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth celebrations have expanded widely across the country. Cities and towns have organized parades, festivals, and other events to commemorate the holiday. Many businesses and organizations have also pledged to make Juneteenth a paid holiday for their employees.

National Recognition

The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act of 2021 established Juneteenth as a national holiday. The act was signed into law by President Joe Biden on June 17, 2021.