Juneteenth is a day that celebrates freedom. It reminds us of an important moment in American history when the last enslaved people in the United States finally found out they were free. It’s a day to honor the past, celebrate African American culture and keep learning about the journey to freedom.
The History Behind Juneteenth
Juneteenth started in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. That’s when a Union general named Gordon Granger arrived and told the people there that slavery had ended and the Civil War was over.
But here’s the surprising part: the news came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which said all enslaved people were free. So even though slavery had officially ended in 1863, about 250,000 African Americans in Texas didn’t find out until 1865.
That’s why Juneteenth is such a big deal — because it marks the day that freedom finally reached everyone.
How People Celebrate
Today, Juneteenth is celebrated all across the country. It became an official federal holiday in 2021, but people have been honoring it for more than 150 years.
Families and communities celebrate with things like:
- Cookouts and family reunions
- Music and dancing
- Parades and festivals
- Prayer and reflection
However, celebrating Juneteenth isn’t just about eating, gatherings and dancing. It’s also a day to learn about African American history.
Try It
Take a few minutes today to look up a fact about Juneteenth or learn about a Black leader from history. Then share what you learned with your family and friends!
Fun Fact
In 1872, a group of formerly enslaved people in Houston, Texas, raised $1,000 to buy 10 acres of land so they would always have a place to celebrate Juneteenth. That land became Emancipation Park, and it’s still used today!
Wow! This is a great resource. Thanks for all the info and links about Juneteenth. I had no idea it had such a long history as a holiday going back to 1872!
Another fact is approximately 10% of the US Union Army that fought the civil war were made up of Foundational Black Americans. President Lincoln noted that the enlistment of Black soldiers was essential for the Union’s success, and by the end of the war, over 200,000 Black soldiers had served.