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| A Juneteenth Parade in Galveston, Texas, in 2021. The holiday traces its roots to the city. |
By Derrick Bryson Taylor
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas were told they were free—two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation took effect. Union General Gordon Granger delivered the news, formally ending slavery in Texas.
How is it celebrated?
Traditionally, Juneteenth involved prayer, family gatherings, and community events. Over time, it evolved into larger celebrations, including parades, festivals, and pilgrimages to Galveston. Cities like Atlanta, Washington D.C., Brooklyn, Los Angeles, and Tulsa now host major events, especially since its designation as a federal holiday in 2021.
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| Dancer Prescylia Mae, of Houston, performs during a dedication ceremony for the giant mural “Absolute Equality” in downtown Galveston, Texas, in 2021. |
Path to Federal Recognition
Texas was the first state to recognize Juneteenth in 1980. Momentum for national recognition surged after the 2020 racial justice protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth the 11th federal holiday, honoring activists like Opal Lee, who campaigned for decades.
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| People play double dutch during a Juneteenth celebration in Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn in 2022. |
Why does Juneteenth matter today?
Juneteenth symbolizes freedom, reflection, and ongoing efforts toward racial justice. In the wake of events like Floyd's murder and the national reckoning on race, the holiday has become a powerful reminder of both historical liberation and the modern struggle for equality.