Article
Juneteenth
“Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory, or an acceptance of the way things are. It is a celebration of progress. It is an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible—and there is still so much work to do.” — Barack Obama
Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day,” is short for June Nineteenth; It is celebrated on the third Saturday in June across the United States. The bill to establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday was passed by Congress on June 16, 2021, and signed into law the following day. Juneteenth had been established as a state holiday in Texas in 1980, with other states later declaring it a state holiday or day of observance. Texas, New York, Virginia, Washington and Illinois observe Juneteenth as an official paid holiday for state employees.
The beginning of Juneteenth
Juneteenth originated in Texas; it was the last state of the confederacy to free slaves. President Abraham Lincoln signed “The Emancipation Proclamation” on January 1, 1863. “The Emancipation Proclamation” extended freedom to enslaved individuals in the Confederacy that were still under open rebellion. However, making that order a reality depended on military victories by the U.S. Army and an ongoing presence to enforce them.
It was not until more than two years later, in June of 1865, that U.S. Army troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas to officially announce and enforce emancipation. There was one man recognized for carrying the message of Freedom into Texas. That man was Major General Gordan Granger. Learn more about Juneteenth and Major General Gordan Granger here: Gen. Gordon Granger: The Man Behind The “Juneteenth” Message Of Freedom - The Seattle Medium
Post Juneteenth: What did freedom look like
“Voices from the Days of Slavery” is a profound soundbite from a freed slaved in 1941. The piece provides the firsthand experiences of Laura Smalley who was born into slavery Smalley tells why Juneteenth is important. You can listen to the clip by clicking here.
It is said that on Juneteenth, 250,000 enslaved people were freed; however, many enslaved individuals were asked to stay and work for their owners. Some who were emancipated quickly fled from the neighborhood of their owners, while others became wage laborers for former owners. Most importantly, African Americans could make choices for themselves about where they labored and the type of work they performed.
How is Juneteenth celebrated
Many communities, educational institutions and individuals celebrate Juneteenth. Celebrations are centered on prayer and religious services, speeches, educational events and festivals. Juneteenth is also celebrated outside the United States and is used to recognize the end of slavery as well as to celebrate African American culture and achievements.
Juneteenth fun facts
- Although "Lift Every Voice and Sing" is the official anthem of Juneteenth, other popular songs appearing on Juneteenth music playlists include Billy Holiday's "God Bless The Child,” Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come," and The Staple Singers' "Freedom Highway.”
- Juneteenth is also known throughout the country as Independence Day, Freedom Day or Emancipation Day.
- Juneteenth flag raisings are a popular way to mark the day and has been a tradition since 1997, with the creation of a flag that depicts the lone star of Texas rising over a new horizon. A Juneteenth flag raising ceremony wouldn't be complete without a reading of “The Emancipation Proclamation,” and the playing of the national anthem.
Ways to Participate this Juneteenth
Call to Action
- Your agency/division can bring in a local activist, historian or artist to educate teams
- You can support Black-owned businesses
- You can share local Juneteenth celebrations
- You can learn more about the history of Black Americans
Learn More
- This day in history - Abolition of slavery announced in Texas on Juneteenth
- National Museum of African American History and Culture