Juneteenth History and Facts: Important Things You Should Know About the US Federal Holiday Commemorating the End of Slavery

Juneteenth is also known as Second Independence Day, Freedom Day, Juneteenth Independence Day or Emancipation Day. It is an annual celebration that marks the end of slavery in the United States after the Civil War. Observed every year on June 19, Juneteenth holds significant cultural and historical importance, highlighting the lasting impact of Black communities. The name ‘Juneteenth’ is a blend of June and nineteenth, the date when the news of liberation finally reached enslaved individuals in Galveston. The holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to bring about the freedom of all enslaved people, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Why Is Red-Coloured Food Eaten on Juneteenth? Best Dishes To Enjoy on US Federal Holiday.

Juneteenth became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. This year, Juneteenth, 2024, will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 19. Let's explore some facts and interesting information about this important day as we prepare to celebrate.

1. After the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, not all people trapped in slavery were immediately freed.

2. The name Juneteenth combines ‘June’ and ‘nineteenth.’ It is also known as Freedom Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day, Cel-Liberation Day and Second Independence Day.

3. Juneteenth National Independence Day is the first federal holiday established since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983, making it the 11th federal holiday recognised by the US government.

4. Former Texas state representative Al Edwards, known as the ‘father of Juneteenth,’ sponsored the bill that made Juneteenth a state holiday in 1980.

5. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in June 2021. The African American community has celebrated Juneteenth since 1866.

6. Juneteenth has its own flag. The red, white, and blue colours signify that the enslaved people and their descendants are American. The bursting star in the middle represents Texas and newfound freedom.

7. The celebration of Juneteenth extends beyond the United States. In El Nacimiento, Coahuila, Mexico, the Mascogos population, descendants of Africans from Texas and the Seminoles, celebrates Juneteenth every year. In Mexico, they are known as the Black Mascogo tribe.

Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of freedom and the ongoing fight for equality. As we celebrate, let’s honour the past and look forward to a future of justice and unity. Here’s wishing everyone a happy Juneteenth, 2024!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 18, 2024 07:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).