Juneteenth: Commemorating the End of Slavery

A National Holiday Honoring Black History

Background and History

Juneteenth, officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the United States. It is celebrated annually on June 19th to commemorate the end of slavery in the country. The name "Juneteenth" is a portmanteau of "June" and "nineteenth," referring to the day in 1865 when the news of emancipation reached Texas, the last state in the Confederacy to abolish slavery.

Federal Recognition

In 2021, Juneteenth became the latest federal holiday in the US, the first to be approved since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1986. President Joe Biden signed the bill establishing the holiday into law on June 16, 2021. Legislation establishing the holiday passed through Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support.

Significance and Celebration

Juneteenth is a day of both celebration and remembrance. It commemorates the end of slavery and the long struggle for freedom and equality faced by Black Americans. On Juneteenth, people gather for parades, festivals, and community gatherings to celebrate Black culture and history. It is also a time to reflect on the ongoing fight against systemic racism and inequality in society.

A Historic Moment

President Biden described his signing of the Juneteenth holiday into law as one of his proudest moments as President. He stated that "Juneteenth is a day that should be a national holiday. It's a day that should be celebrated by all Americans." The establishment of Juneteenth as a federal holiday is a testament to the importance of recognizing and honoring Black history and the ongoing fight for equality and justice.