What Is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, a combination of the words “June” and “nineteenth,” commemorates June 19, 1865 – the day when Major General Gordon Granger and approximately 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas. On this historic day, they delivered General Order No. 3, officially informing the last 250,000 enslaved African Americans in Texas that they were free.
“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.”
General Order No. 3, delivered by Major General Gordon Granger, June 19, 1865
What makes this date particularly significant is that it came a full two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. While the proclamation technically freed slaves in Confederate states, enforcement relied on the advancement of Union troops. Texas, being the most remote Confederate state, was the last to receive this life-changing news.
The first Juneteenth celebrations began the following year in 1866, with prayer meetings, singing of spirituals, and the wearing of new clothes to symbolize newfound freedom. These celebrations quickly spread as formerly enslaved Texans migrated to other states, carrying their traditions with them.
Explore Juneteenth’s Historical Roots
Discover primary historical documents, including the original General Order No. 3 and accounts from those who experienced the first Juneteenth.
Is Juneteenth a Federal Holiday?
Yes, Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, making Juneteenth the 11th federal holiday and the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983.
The path to federal recognition was long and championed by many activists, most notably Opal Lee, often called the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” At 89 years old, Lee walked from her home in Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness about the importance of making Juneteenth a national holiday.
Prior to federal recognition, Juneteenth had already been established as a state holiday or observance in many parts of the country:
- Texas became the first state to officially recognize Juneteenth in 1980
- By 2021, 47 states and the District of Columbia recognized Juneteenth as a holiday or observance
- Federal employees now receive a paid day off on June 19 (or the nearest weekday if it falls on a weekend)
- Many businesses, universities, and organizations have also begun observing the holiday
- The official name is “Juneteenth National Independence Day”
- Also known as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, and Jubilee Day
When signing the legislation, President Biden remarked: “Juneteenth marks both the long, hard night of slavery and subjugation, and a promise of a brighter morning to come… By making Juneteenth a federal holiday, all Americans can feel the power of this day, and learn from our history.”
While Juneteenth is now a federal holiday, celebrations and observances vary widely across the country. Some states have additional commemorations on different dates that mark when emancipation was announced in their specific region.
The Juneteenth Flag: Symbols of Freedom
The Juneteenth flag, created in 1997 by activist Ben Haith and later revised in 2000 with illustrator Lisa Jeanne-Graf, has become an important symbol of the holiday. The flag’s design is rich with meaning:
The Colors
The red, white, and blue mirror the American flag, symbolizing that the formerly enslaved people were and are Americans.
The Star
The white star represents Texas (the Lone Star State) where the last enslaved people learned of their freedom, as well as the freedom of African Americans in all 50 states.
The Burst
The burst around the star represents a nova or “new star,” symbolizing a new beginning for African Americans.
The flag also features an arc that divides the red and blue sections, representing a new horizon and the promising future that awaited newly freed slaves. In 2007, the date “June 19, 1865” was added to the flag to commemorate the specific day freedom finally reached Texas.
Today, the Juneteenth flag is flown at homes, businesses, government buildings, and community centers across the country during Juneteenth celebrations as a symbol of freedom and remembrance.
How Is Juneteenth Celebrated?
Juneteenth celebrations combine commemoration, education, and joyful community gatherings. While traditions vary across the country, many celebrations include these common elements:
Traditional Celebrations
Community Gatherings
Family reunions, community picnics, and barbecues bring people together to celebrate freedom and community bonds.
Red Foods
Red foods and drinks symbolize resilience and sacrifice. Traditional options include red velvet cake, watermelon, red soda, and barbecued meats.
Music and Dance
Performances often include spirituals, jazz, blues, and gospel music, with “Lift Every Voice and Sing” frequently performed.
Educational Components
Historical Readings
Public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, General Order No. 3, and works by Black authors honor the historical significance.
Educational Events
Lectures, exhibitions, and workshops explore African American history, culture, and the ongoing journey toward equality.
Parades and Marches
Many communities host parades celebrating African American culture and achievements while honoring the struggle for freedom.
Find Juneteenth Celebrations Near You
Discover local events, parades, educational programs, and community gatherings happening in your area to commemorate Juneteenth.
Why Juneteenth Matters Today
Juneteenth has taken on renewed significance in recent years, particularly following the racial justice movements that gained momentum in 2020. The holiday serves multiple important purposes in contemporary American society:
Historical Reckoning
Juneteenth encourages Americans to confront the nation’s complex history of slavery and its lasting impacts. By acknowledging this history, we create space for honest dialogue about racial injustice past and present.
Education and Awareness
The holiday provides an opportunity to learn about aspects of American history that have often been overlooked in traditional education. Many Americans are still learning about Juneteenth and its significance.
Celebration of Progress
While acknowledging historical injustices, Juneteenth also celebrates the resilience, cultural contributions, and achievements of African Americans throughout U.S. history.
Ongoing Journey
Juneteenth reminds us that freedom and equality require continuous work. The delay between the Emancipation Proclamation (1863) and freedom reaching all enslaved people (1865) parallels ongoing struggles for full equality.
“Juneteenth is neither the beginning nor the end of something. The end of the Civil War and the ending of slavery didn’t happen overnight and was a lot more like a jagged edge than a clean cut.”
Erin Stewart Mauldin, John Hope Franklin Professor of Southern History
In recent years, corporations, educational institutions, and organizations across the country have embraced Juneteenth as an opportunity for reflection, education, and community building. Many use the day to highlight Black voices, support Black-owned businesses, and commit to diversity and inclusion initiatives.
How You Can Meaningfully Participate in Juneteenth
Educate Yourself
- Read books about Juneteenth and African American history
- Watch documentaries about emancipation and its aftermath
- Visit museums and historical sites dedicated to African American history
Support Black Communities
- Shop at Black-owned businesses
- Donate to organizations focused on racial justice and equality
- Amplify Black voices and stories in your community
Engage in Community
- Attend local Juneteenth celebrations and events
- Volunteer with organizations hosting Juneteenth activities
- Share what you’ve learned with friends and family
Whether you’re new to learning about Juneteenth or have celebrated it for years, there are always deeper ways to engage with its history and meaning. The most important aspect is approaching the day with respect, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to honoring its significance.
Deepen Your Understanding
Explore curated reading lists, educational resources, and virtual exhibits about Juneteenth and African American history.
Embracing the Full Meaning of Juneteenth
Juneteenth stands as a powerful reminder that freedom and justice require both proclamation and implementation. The two-and-a-half-year gap between the Emancipation Proclamation and freedom reaching the last enslaved people in Texas illustrates that declaring freedom is just the beginning – ensuring it reaches everyone requires ongoing commitment.
As we celebrate Juneteenth as a federal holiday, we honor not just a moment in history, but the continued journey toward equality and justice. The holiday invites all Americans to reflect on our shared past, celebrate progress, and recommit to building a more equitable future.
Whether through community celebrations, educational pursuits, or personal reflection, participating in Juneteenth offers an opportunity to connect with a pivotal chapter in American history and its ongoing relevance today. By understanding and honoring Juneteenth, we acknowledge both how far we’ve come and the distance still to travel on the road to true equality.