What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and that slavery had been abolished. This announcement came over two years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth represents freedom and emphasizes the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. It is a day of reflection, education, and celebration of African American culture and heritage. Today, Juneteenth is recognized as a state holiday or ceremonial observance in most states and is gaining broader recognition across the country. It serves as a reminder of the resilience of the African American community and the continued fight against systemic racism.