June 19

Juneteenth

Celebrate Juneteenth in honor of the emancipation of African Americans - take part in special events, activities, and discussions!

Yearly Date

June 19

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Celebrate Juneteenth on June 19 by commemorating the end of slavery in the United States! On this day, 155 years ago, Union soldiers brought news that slaves were free and President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation had been fully enforced. Since then, Juneteenth has become a time for African Americans to celebrate freedom with parades, festivals and family gatherings.

Juneteenth Timeline

1865

Juneteenth Origin

On June 19, Union General Gordon Granger led thousands of federal troops to Galveston, Texas to announce that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were now free.

1866

First Juneteenth Celebrations

African Americans in Texas celebrated Juneteenth with community-centered events, such as parades, cookouts, and prayer gatherings.

1872

Emancipation Park Established

In Houston, Texas, four African American men purchased land which was named "Emancipation Park" as a dedicated space for Juneteenth celebrations.

1980

Juneteenth becomes state holiday in Texas

Texas became the first state to make Juneteenth an official holiday, thanks to the efforts of African American state legislator Al Edwards.

1997

Congressional Recognition of Juneteenth

The U.S. Congress recognized June 19 as "Juneteenth Independence Day" after a series of resolutions passed in the Senate and the House.

2020

Juneteenth Awareness Surges

Following national protests addressing racial equality, there was a significant increase in celebrations and awareness about Juneteenth across the United States.

How to Celebrate Juneteenth

1 Read about Juneteenth

Learn the history and significance of Juneteenth by reading books and articles written about it. Understanding the struggles and the joys of African Americans in the US will give more meaning to celebrating the holiday.

2 Organize a picnic

Gather your family and friends, pack some food, drinks, and music, and head to a nearby park or beach to celebrate Juneteenth. Make sure to include some traditional African American dishes like barbecued ribs, fried chicken, sweet potatoes, and cornbread.

3 Decorate with red, white, and blue

The colors of Juneteenth are red, white, and blue. Use these colors to decorate your home or create a festive atmosphere at an outdoor gathering. You can also make flags in honor of this special day.

4 Attend a Juneteenth parade

Many cities have parades organized for Juneteenth that feature floats, dancers, singers, and other forms of entertainment. Grab a spot along the parade route or join in on the fun yourself!

5 Donate to organizations supporting African Americans

Show your support for African American causes by donating money or time to organizations that help fight racism and inequality in the US and around the world.

Why Juneteenth is Important

It recognizes a key moment in African American history

Juneteenth marks the day that the last enslaved people were informed of their freedom, following the Civil War and President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. It is thus an important reminder of the importance of abolishing slavery and pushing for civil rights for all Americans.

It celebrates a new legacy of resilience

Despite centuries of oppression, African Americans have succeeded in creating a powerful legacy of strength, resilience and hope. Juneteenth is more than just an annual celebration - it is a reminder that African Americans have persevered in spite of all the obstacles that have been placed before them.

It serves as an opportunity for education

Juneteenth provides a great educational opportunity to learn more about African American history and culture. This can be done through attending local celebrations, reading books written by authors from diverse backgrounds or simply starting conversations with friends and family about this important historical event.