In late 1979, Al Edward of Houston, Texas had succeeded in sponsoring legislation to make Juneteenth a paid Texas state holiday. On January 1, 1980, his bill passed through the Texas Legislature and Juneteenth was officially made a state holiday. However, what led to these, began many years before, in a very significant manner.

In 1869, on June 19, a remarkable event took place which would forever change the lives of black people in the United States. 155 years on, people in towns and cities across the U.S. continue to celebrate this event―today known as “Juneteenth”―with festivities. However, not many around the world today are aware of the significance of June 19 or Juneteenth in U.S. history. Hence, questions such as “What is Juneteenth?”, “Why do they call it Juneteenth?”, “Why is it celebrated on June 19th?” and “Why is Juneteenth significant in the United States?” are often asked, which this article will try to answer.

What is Juneteenth and Why is it Celebrated on June 19th?

The term Juneteenth is used to refer to a 155-year-old holiday (beginning from June 19^th, 1865) celebration in remembrance of the emancipation of African-Americans from slavery in the United States.

Following President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which had actually gone into effect on January 1, 1863―more than two years earlier, Major General Gordon Granger and some 2000 soldiers of the Union Army landed in Galveston, Texas, and informed slaves that the Civil War had ended and slavery had been abolished.

As noted by the National Museum of African American History & Culture, there were by then about 250,000 slaves in Texas who were filled with dismay to have only heard that they were free despite years of the proclamation setting all slaves free. Granger, in public, read General Order No. 3 which stated that all slaves in the United States are free.

On why it took so long for slaves in Texas to learn about their freedom, historians seem not to generally agree on what could be the reason. One account from Juneteenth.com and Supporters claim that a messenger bearing the news was murdered on his way there.  Other reports suggest that many slave owners in the State intentionally withheld information about the Emancipation Proclamation from slaves before 1865 so as to keep their labor force integral. Whichever the case, the news brought by Granger sparked widespread celebrations across the state. Hence, June 19―coined “Juneteenth―of every has been many as the day of the “Juneteenth celebration”, “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day”.

Why is Juneteenth Significant in the United States?

Significantly, Juneteenth.com notes that Juneteenth is “the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.” Again, it is a day of remembrance and an opportunity for blacks in America to honor their history and celebrate Black culture. So significant is the day that statements of observance for the Juneteenth holiday have been issued in recent years, most notably by presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump.

How is Juneteenth Celebrated?

Taking place yearly across the U.S., thousands, if not millions, join in festivities to mark the Juneteenth celebration. According to Juneteenth.com, a range of activities were provided to entertain the masses, many of which continue in tradition today. Typical activities include baseball. fishing, rodeos, barbecuing, and street parades. Guests speakers are often invited to speak to the people, and the elders are called upon to tell the stories of the past; this is so because Juneteenth is mostly focused on education and self-improvement. Prayer services are also often observed.

Coming to Juneteenth resources, food is made plentiful because almost prepared a special dish, with various kinds of meat available to all. Hence, visitors are left well satisfied and with enough conversation to last until the next. Also, much importance is placed on dressing in Juneteenth customs, particularly by the direct descendants who can make the connection to this tradition's roots according to  Juneteenth.com.

Is Juneteenth a National Holiday in the U.S?

Although not a national holiday in the United States, efforts to make Juneteenth an official federal holiday are still ongoing with growing levels of success. As of 2020, 47 states and the District of Columbia―with the exception of Hawaii, North Dakota, and South Dakota―have all passed legislation officially recognizing Juneteenth either as a state holiday or day of observance. An online petition calling on Congress to recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday had been in circulation as of June 2020.

Companies such as Twitter and Square―a mobile payment company, have designated Juneteenth as a company holiday.

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