what is juneteenth

 Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated in the United States on June 19th, commemorating the announcement of the abolition of slavery in the state of Texas on June 19, 1865. The name "Juneteenth" is a portmanteau of "June" and "nineteenth".

The history of Juneteenth goes back to the Emancipation Proclamation, which was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863. This proclamation declared that all slaves in Confederate states that were still in rebellion against the United States "shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free." However, the Emancipation Proclamation did not apply to slaves in states that had remained loyal to the Union, such as Texas.

It wasn't until June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, that Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that all slaves were now free. This announcement came two months after the end of the Civil War and two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, as Texas was one of the last Confederate states to surrender. The news of their freedom was met with joyous celebrations, and the first Juneteenth was celebrated the following year in Texas.

Juneteenth celebrations traditionally include picnics, barbecues, parades, and other community events. Many African Americans also use the holiday as an opportunity to reflect on the struggles and achievements of their ancestors and to celebrate the rich culture and traditions of their community. In recent years, Juneteenth has gained more recognition and has been recognized as a state holiday in many states across the US, and on June 17th, 2021, it was signed into law as a federal holiday.

The significance of Juneteenth lies in its role in marking the end of slavery in the United States. While the Emancipation Proclamation was an important step towards abolition, it did not immediately free all slaves. The news of freedom in Texas spread slowly, and some slave owners even kept their slaves in bondage for several more months. Juneteenth serves as a reminder that the fight for freedom and equality is an ongoing struggle, and that it is important to continue to work towards a more just and equal society.