It’s Juneteenth — the federal holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States — but many may not know its history.
Juneteenth is observed annually on June 19 and has been celebrated since 1866, meaning it’s one of the oldest continuing African American holidays. It was officially made a federal holiday by President Joe Biden on June 17, 2021.
“The historical legacy of Juneteenth shows the value of never giving up hope in uncertain times,” writes the National Museum of African American History and Culture. “Although it has long been celebrated in the African American community, this monumental event remains largely unknown to most Americans.”
Here’s what to know about Juneteenth and how the holiday came to be.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a federal holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.
When is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is observed annually on June 19.
When was Juneteenth made a holiday?
Juneteenth has been celebrated since 1866, making it one of the oldest continuing Black holidays. It was officially made a federal holiday by President Joe Biden on June 17, 2021.
What’s the history behind Juneteenth?
Juneteenth commemorates events that took place 160 years ago in Galveston, Texas, about 57 miles southeast of Houston.
Calling it an “often overlooked event in our nation’s history,” the National Museum of African American History said that Juneteenth occurred two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing all enslaved people in the rebellious states.
The implementation of the Emancipation Proclamation was limited in areas still under Confederate control, delaying freedom for many, particularly in Texas.
On June 19, 1865, Union troops freed enslaved African Americans in Galveston Bay and across Texas.
The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as “Juneteenth” by the newly freed people in Texas.
Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?
Yes, it was officially made a federal holiday by President Joe Biden on June 17, 2021.
USA TODAY contributed to this story.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: What is Juneteenth? Here’s the meaning behind the federal holiday
Reporting by Natassia Paloma, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Natassia Paloma, El Paso Times | USA TODAY Network
