Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a holiday held every year on June 19. It marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas learned they were free. The name comes from mixing the words June and nineteenth. Today, people celebrate with parades, music, and good food. In 2021, Juneteenth became an official federal holiday.

How It Started

Slavery was ended by a law called the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. But news traveled slowly back then. Enslaved people in Texas did not hear the news for more than two years. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and shared the news. People began to celebrate that day every year.

How People Celebrate

Families and friends gather for picnics and cookouts. Many people wear red, black, and green, which are special colors. Red foods and drinks, like strawberry soda and watermelon, are popular treats. Communities hold parades, concerts, and storytelling events. It is a time to learn about history and honor African American culture.

Fun Facts

• Juneteenth is also called Freedom Day or Emancipation Day.
• The Juneteenth flag has a star in the center to stand for Texas.
• Opal Lee, known as the grandmother of Juneteenth, walked across America to help make it a national holiday.

Did You Know?

Juneteenth is the newest federal holiday in the United States. It was signed into law by President Joe Biden in June 2021.