How and Why to Celebrate Juneteenth, Our Newest Federal Holiday

Over 150 years after the historic arrival of federal troops in Galveston, Texas, President Joe Biden signed into law a declaration that makes Juneteenth National Independence Day a federal holiday. What’s the story behind the newest federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and how should we celebrate?

Two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 was signed, enslaved African Americans in Texas were made aware of their freedom. On June 19, 1865, federal troops marched into Galveston, Texas, to take control of the state to enforce the emancipation of all 250,000 enslaved people.

Although emancipation did not occur overnight for all, as word spread, Texas’ enslaved people began celebrating when they received word of their freedom. And Juneteenth was born. From that day forward, Juneteenth continues to commemorate the day when all enslaved were finally set free in America.

Annual celebrations date back to 1866, making it the longest-running African American holiday. Early Texas celebrations often centered on church gatherings. Juneteenth celebration events spread throughout the South over the next several decades.

Juneteenth-specific celebrations waned during the civil rights movement of the 1960s but made a comeback in the 1970s as interest in African American arts and culture grew.

In 1979, Texas became the first state to make Juneteenth a state holiday. Since then, most states followed suit until the day of celebration finally became a national holiday in 2021. Juneteenth is also known as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, and Black Independence Day.

Public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, singing iconic songs like “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, or sharing the works of famous Black authors and poets like Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks and Ralph Ellison are often a part of Juneteenth celebrations. Today, families also gather for reunions, cookouts, street fairs, and historical reenactments in their local community. These events will feature red drinks and foods to symbolize the blood shed of the enslaved in their pursuit of freedom.

As we prepare for Juneteenth celebrations in 2022, all Americans can get involved with this new federal holiday by:

• Learning more about the history of the end of slavery in the United States.
• Spreading the word about the holiday in your own local community.
• Attending a local Juneteenth celebration, like a parade or a cookout.
• Creating your own Juneteenth traditions that celebrate freedom and sacrifice.
• Supporting Black-owned businesses and organizations that help Black communities.

Happy Juneteenth to all!