Juneteenth National Independence Day in the United States

Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the end of slavery. Specifically, it celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

History:

• Origin: The holiday originated in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, when Union Army General Gordon Granger proclaimed freedom from slavery in Texas. This event happened two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.
• Significance: Despite the Emancipation Proclamation becoming effective in 1863, it could not be enforced in many places until after the end of the Civil War in April 1865. Juneteenth marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston to ensure all enslaved people were freed.
• Federal Recognition: After years of local and state celebrations and campaigns for national recognition, Juneteenth became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021.

Traditions:

Traditions on Juneteenth include but are not limited to:

• Community Festivals: Parades, cookouts, street fairs with music and dancing.
• Cultural Events: Educational events that highlight African American history and heritage through storytelling and historical reenactments.
• Food: Traditional foods served include barbecue and dishes that are red-colored to symbolize ingenuity and resilience.

Activities:

On Juneteenth, people engage in various activities such as:

• Attending public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation.
• Participating in family gatherings and community celebrations.
• Reflecting on the history of slavery and its impact on present-day America.
• Supporting Black-owned businesses.

Juneteenth serves as a time for reflection on issues of racial injustice while also celebrating African American culture and achievements.