JUNETEENTH
Juneteenth is a significant U.S. holiday observed on June 19th that marks the end of slavery in the United States. Although President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, declaring that all enslaved people in Confederate states were free, enforcement was slow and depended on the advance of Union troops. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, that the last remaining enslaved African Americans were informed of their freedom—more than two years after the proclamation was signed. The name "Juneteenth" comes from a blend of “June” and “nineteenth,” and the day has since become a powerful symbol of Black freedom, resilience, and cultural heritage. Celebrations often include parades, music, public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, traditional African American foods, and educational events. It is both a time of joy and reflection, honoring the struggles and achievements of African Americans throughout history.
In 2021, Juneteenth was officially declared a federal holiday in the United States, reinforcing its importance in the nation’s journey toward justice and equality .
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