Juneteenth, an annual observance marking the emancipation of enslaved individuals in the United States following the Civil War, has been a cherished occasion among African Americans since the late 1800s.
Juneteenth – In 2021, President Biden enacted a law that designated June 19 as a federal holiday
In 2021, President Biden enacted a law that designated June 19 as a federal holiday, recognizing the historical significance of this. This decision stemmed from the renewed interest in the day, sparked by the events of the summer of 2020, which witnessed nationwide protests in response to the tragic killings of Black Americans, such as George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, by the police. Notably, there has been a discernible surge in Juneteenth commemorations across the United States in recent years.
On June 19, 1865, approximately two months following the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox, Virginia, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas. His purpose was to convey the news of freedom to the African Americans who were still enslaved and to announce the conclusion of the Civil War. General Granger’s proclamation enforced the Emancipation Proclamation, which President Abraham Lincoln had issued nearly two and a half years earlier, on January 1, 1863.
This significant occasion is referred to by various names, including “Juneteenth Independence Day,” “Freedom Day,” or “Emancipation Day.”
The celebration of this takes on various forms. In its early days, the observance involved prayer and gatherings within families. Over time, it evolved to include annual pilgrimages to Galveston by formerly enslaved individuals and their loved ones, as stated on Juneteenth.com.
In 1872, a group of African American ministers and entrepreneurs in Houston purchased a plot of land spanning 10 acres, which they transformed into Emancipation Park. This park was specifically established as a venue for the city’s annual Juneteenth festivities.
In the present day, this celebrations continue to encompass a range of activities. While some gatherings remain intimate, taking place in backyard settings where food plays a central role, certain cities such as Atlanta and Washington host larger-scale events. These may feature parades, festivals, and the participation of residents, local businesses, and more.