Juneteenth: A Historic Day of Freedom

Each year on June 19th, communities across the United States honor the day when freedom finally reached the last enslaved people in Texas, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Known as Juneteenth, this powerful milestone has grown from local gatherings into a nationwide celebration of resilience, remembrance, and Black American culture.

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a U.S. holiday that commemorates the formal end of slavery across the country. While President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that the last enslaved people were made free. On that day, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3, enforcing emancipation in one of the most remote parts of the Confederacy.

Texas’s isolation and strong Confederate presence made federal enforcement difficult during the Civil War. Many enslavers had relocated there to avoid Union forces, bringing enslaved people with them. With little military pressure and few outside interruptions, slavery persisted—until Union troops arrived to put an end to it.

Juneteenth marks that long-overdue moment when freedom was finally enforced, turning a legal promise into lived reality.

When is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is celebrated each year on June 19, the date on which General Granger announced enforcement of the Proclamation in 1865.

Why is it Called Juneteenth?

The name “Juneteenth” comes from the holiday’s date: June nineteenth. This contraction originated around the 1890s. The holiday was initially called “Jubilee Day”.

Where was Juneteenth First Celebrated?

The first Juneteenth celebrations started in 1866, the year following General Granger’s arrival in Galveston. Initially, they took place at churches in Galveston and other parts of Texas, since Black Americans were still prohibited from hosting events at public parks. Events included political rallies, fishing, baseball games, rodeos, and food festivals. 

To gain enough land for large-scale Juneteenth celebrations, Reverend Jack Yates fundraised to become one of the first recorded Black American land purchasers. He bought Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas, for $1,000. In Mexia, Texas, a local organization purchased Booker T. Washington Park, which has hosted Juneteenth celebrations since 1898.

Over the following decades, commemorations spread across the South and were brought to the Northeast and West during the Great Migration in the 20th century. Texas formally recognized the holiday in 1938 and added it to the state legislature in 1979.

Is Juneteenth a Federal Holiday?

Yes, Juneteenth has been a federal holiday since its adoption in 2021 as part of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. Legislation to recognize Juneteenth was first introduced to the House of Representatives in 1996. Congress formally recognized the holiday in 1997 and 2013. Further efforts by activists and politicians led to the declaration of a federal holiday on June 17, 2021.

How to Celebrate Juneteenth

Juneteenth celebrations are held widely across the US. Common events include public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, as well as picnics, fairs, barbecues, rodeos, lectures, and book readings. 

To celebrate, contact any Juneteenth organizations active in your area to learn about any events they may be hosting, or reach out to your local government.

Also known as “Juneteenth Independence Day”, Juneteenth is a proud flag-flying holiday in the US. Be sure to fly your American flag high, optionally along with the official Juneteenth flag.

Happy Juneteenth from the team at Flags.com!