Juneteenth

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Juneteenth
Observed by	United States
Type	Cultural
Significance	Emancipation of enslaved African Americans
Date	June 19
Frequency	annual

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day, is a holiday celebrated on June 19th in the United States. It commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and is often observed for its historical significance in the struggle for civil rights.

Historical Background

Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of the American Civil War and the emancipation of enslaved people. This announcement came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.

Emancipation Proclamation

The Emancipation Proclamation was an executive order issued by President Lincoln that declared the freedom of all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory. However, enforcement of the proclamation depended on the advance of Union troops. As a result, many enslaved people in Texas and other remote areas remained in bondage until the end of the war.

General Order No. 3

On June 19, 1865, General Granger issued General Order No. 3, which stated:

> "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor."

This order effectively freed the last remaining enslaved African Americans in the United States.

Celebrations and Traditions

Juneteenth celebrations began in Texas in 1866 and have since spread across the United States. Traditional celebrations include public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, singing of traditional songs such as "Lift Every Voice and Sing", and readings by African American writers. Celebrations also often include rodeos, street fairs, cookouts, family reunions, park parties, historical reenactments, and Miss Juneteenth contests.

Recognition and Observance

Juneteenth was first recognized as a state holiday in Texas in 1980. Since then, it has been recognized by most states in some form. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, making Juneteenth a federal holiday.

Significance

Juneteenth is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a celebration of freedom and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. It serves as a time to honor African American culture and history, and to educate others about the past.

Also see

• Emancipation Proclamation
• American Civil War
• Abolitionism in the United States
• Civil Rights Movement
• Black History Month