What is Juneteenth? Key Facts and Historical Significance

On June 19, the United States commemorates Juneteenth to honor the abolition of slavery, a somber chapter in the nation’s history with lasting impact.

Juneteenth, merging “June” and “nineteenth,” has been celebrated as Emancipation Day by Black communities for decades.

Still, the broader awakening over racial injustices and rising political polarization has pushed the day further into national and cultural significance.

Many states and cities plan Juneteenth celebrations, which include parades, street gatherings, and cookouts. Civil rights groups say the day is crucial in American history, and commemorating it confirms the country’s pursuit of equality.

What is Juneteenth, What is Juneteenth Meaning, and What is its History?

The Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 released enslaved individuals in Confederate states, but it did not instantly abolish slavery in areas like Texas, which remained under Confederate rule.

A year and a half later, on June 19, 1865, Union troops commanded by Maj. Gen.

Gordon Granger entered in Galveston, Texas, and proclaimed that more than 250,000 owned Black people in the state had been freed. (National emancipation would not occur until later that year when the 13th Amendment was ratified.)

According to historian C.R. Gibbs, Black people experienced “indescribable joy” as a result of the news, which sparked enormous celebrations in Texas.

The day, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, and Black Independence Day, continues to hold great significance in the community.

According to John A. Powell (who does not capitalize his name), head of the Othering and Belonging Institute at the University of California, Berkeley, June 19 has become a kind of July 4 celebration for African Americans.

“This is especially significant for African Americans, who continue to battle for freedom and equality. However, June 19 was a watershed point in the next chapter of our lives,” he remarked.

Recognizing history, Powell explained, is part of the process. “We can’t make progress unless we understand where we are and where we’ve been,” he stated.

Annette Gordon-Reed, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author of “On Juneteenth,” views the day as a significant milestone in the advancement of human rights.

“It represents a belief that the country may try to be better, and attempt to perfect the Union,” she stated to The Post.

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How is Juneteenth Commemorated?

Texas was the epicenter of huge Juneteenth celebrations for decades, but the traditions have expanded across the country in recent years.

The early ceremonies around Juneteenth were designed to educate newly liberated slaves about voting rights.

The first anniversary, in 1866, was honored by a large event in Galveston attended by numerous men, women, and children.

In Houston, community leaders banded together to purchase land for a remembrance site known as Emancipation Park.

Annette Gordon-Reed, born in Texas, described Juneteenth as a time for families and communities to gather, cook, and share meals together.

“More public celebrations feature speeches and poems. “It’s a festive occasion, but the deeper significance of the day is emphasized,” she noted.

Juneteenth celebrations have a rich and distinct culinary history, which frequently includes red-colored drinks and food items, such as barbecue and, more recently, red velvet cake.

According to professional herbalist Sunyatta Amen, one of the most popular drinks is a ruby-colored elixir made from African hibiscus ginger tea. Enslaved Africans brought a vast range of flora and foodstuffs, including a form of to the Americas, and the drink became a powerful symbol of home.

This year, Galveston will be showing a documentary film, conducting a live music event, and holding talks on Juneteenth’s history throughout the week.

The National Archives in Washington, D.C., will exhibit two historical documents, including the Emancipation Proclamation. Scotland, a historically African American neighborhood in Montgomery County, Maryland, founded by former slaves, will hold a parade and auto show.

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When did Juneteenth become a Federal Holiday?

During widespread racial justice rallies sparked by the death of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law in 2021, designating June 19 as a federal holiday.

The legislation had broad bipartisan support in Congress, with only 14 Republicans in the House voting against it.

Opponents of the bill described it as an attempt to glorify identity politics and alter the country’s worldview around critical race theory, which studies how policies and laws promote systematic racism.

Recognizing Juneteenth holiday, Biden stated, would be “one of the greatest honors” of his presidency.

Around him stood members of the Congressional Black Caucus, Vice President Harris, the first woman of color to serve in the post, and activist Opal Lee, who had advocated for the day to be declared a national holiday.

“We’ve made significant progress, but there’s still much work ahead. Today, however, is a day to celebrate,” Harris stated during the event. It is not just a day of joy; it is also a time to renew our commitment and rededicate ourselves to action.”

Civil rights groups praised the move. “It serves as a reminder that the struggle for freedom is ongoing,” remarked NAACP President Derrick Johnson at the time.

Is Juneteenth a Federal Holiday?

Yes, Juneteenth became an official holiday in the United States in 2021. It commemorates June 19th, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Texas were informed of their freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

It serves to honor the end of slavery and promote reflection and celebration of African American culture and achievements.

Which States Celebrate Juneteenth as a Holiday?

More than 30 states and the District of Columbia observe Juneteenth as a public holiday.

Texas was the first to enact legislation designating it a state holiday in January 1980. Texas House Bill 1016, introduced in early 1979, made the anniversary of emancipation a legal holiday.

Kansas and Rhode Island are among the most recent states to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) issued an executive order in May making Juneteenth a state holiday.

In Alabama, a proposed law, H.B. 4, would make Juneteenth a public holiday, although state employees would be free to choose between celebrating Juneteenth and the birthday of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, on June 3.

A similar campaign is underway in Alaska, where a measure declaring June 19 a state holiday is awaiting the governor’s signature.

According to the Pew Research Center, every state has at some point designated Juneteenth as a day of observance, which means it is remembered even if it is not a holiday.

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What are the Closures on Juneteenth?

The Federal Reserve and its regional offices will be closed on Wednesday, as will certain big commercial institutions, such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo.

The federal courts will be closed, but the electronic filing systems will be available.

Juneteenth is a holiday for USPS employees. Pickup and delivery will be available at UPS and FedEx sites. It is also a US stock market holiday.

Are banks closed on Juneteenth?

Since Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, banks and federal institutions typically observe it by closing for the day.

However, specific closures can vary depending on the policies of individual banks and local regulations. It’s advisable to check with your bank or financial institution for their operating hours on Juneteenth.

Happy Juneteenth!