Juneteenth: A Federal Holiday Celebrated Annually on June 19
Juneteenth National Independence Day
Juneteenth National Independence Day, also known as Freedom Day and Emancipation Day, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the end of slavery. It is celebrated on June 19, the anniversary of the date in 1865 when the last enslaved people in Texas learned of their emancipation.
Juneteenth's Roots
The origins of Juneteenth lie in the Emancipation Proclamation, which President Abraham Lincoln issued in 1863. The proclamation declared that enslaved people in Confederate-held territories were to be freed. However, it took two years for the proclamation to reach Texas, the furthest-flung Confederate state. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery.
Establishment as a Federal Holiday
Juneteenth has been celebrated as a holiday in Texas since 1866. It became a federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. The act recognizes Juneteenth as a day to commemorate the end of slavery and to celebrate the contributions of African Americans to the United States.
Conclusion
Juneteenth is a day of remembrance and celebration. It is a reminder of the horrors of slavery and the enduring legacy of racial inequality in the United States. But it is also a day to celebrate the resilience of the African American community and the progress that has been made in the fight for equality. As the nation's newest federal holiday, Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and freedom for all.
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