Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Emancipation Day, is a significant date in American history that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It is celebrated on June 19th, marking the day in 1865 when Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were now free. This was two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which had become official on January 1, 1863.
The delay in the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas and other remote areas was due to the minimal presence of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Robert E. Lee in April 1865 and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.
Celebrations of Juneteenth began in 1866, at first involving church-centered community gatherings in Texas. It spread across the South and became a time for reassuring each other, for praying, and for gathering remaining family members. Juneteenth today celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures.
The traditions of Juneteenth include public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, singing traditional songs like “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and reading of works by noted African American writers. Celebrations often include rodeos, street fairs, cookouts, family reunions, park parties, historical reenactments, and Miss Juneteenth contests. The Juneteenth flag is a symbol of the holiday, featuring a star in the middle to represent Texas, the Lone Star State, and the bursting new star on the “horizon” of the red and blue fields represents a new freedom and a new people.
Despite its historical significance, Juneteenth did not become a federal holiday until June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. This recognition at the national level not only commemorates the end of slavery in the United States but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality.
In recent years, Juneteenth has taken on a broader symbolic meaning, representing the continued pursuit of freedom and justice for all Americans. It is a day of reflection, a day of renewal, a pride-filled day, and an opportunity to appreciate the African American experience. It is a reminder of the resilience and perseverance of the enslaved ancestors and a celebration of the enduring spirit of freedom and equality that is foundational to the American story.
