Juneteenth is observed annually on June 19, and is a longstanding celebration of freedom and resilience for African Americans. While it is often referred to as commemorating the end of chattel slavery in the United States, its history is actually more complex and specific.
While the Emancipation Proclamation, which legally ended slavery in the United States, was issued by President Abraham Lincoln in January 1863 during the American Civil War, Southern slaveowners did not comply with the law and free the people they enslaved until forced to by Northern troops. It was on June 19, 1965, after the end of the war that all African Americans enslaved in the South were freed, when the Union army arrived in Galveston, Texas to free the over 250,000 enslaved people in the area.
Check out our previous articles on Juneteenth for more information about the holiday’s history and customs.
For much of its history, Juneteenth was celebrated as a local and state holiday. With its widespread support and cultural and historical significance, there was a decades-long campaign to make it a federal holiday. These efforts finally proved fruitful in June 2021, when President Joseph Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, making June 19 a legal public holiday.
Because Juneteenth is a federal holiday, you can expect schools, several businesses, and government buildings to be closed, and be prepared for possible road closures as a result of street fairs and other public festivities. Check in your area for local celebrations and educational events.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us anytime at info@gravityintprog.com. Stay safe and healthy, and Happy Juneteenth!
