As we prepare to observe Juneteenth – the annual celebration marking the end of slavery in the United States – we want to take a moment to recognize its historical significance and remind ourselves of the ongoing need to foster equality, unity, and understanding.
We deeply believe in the importance of creating spaces for dialogue, introspection, and growth. On this occasion, we would like to reaffirm our commitment to creating space for, listening to, and amplifying Black voices in our community and beyond. We understand that these voices have often been marginalized, and we firmly believe that it's high time we not only listen but also act.
Words, no matter how well-intentioned, are not meaningful without action. That's why we are undertaking a series of initiatives aimed at lifting the voices of the black community. We want to ensure that our commitments are not just promises but tangible actions that result in real, positive change.
Let's make this Juneteenth not just a celebration of freedom, but a recommitment to listening, learning, and acting. Together, we can ensure a more equitable and inclusive future.
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Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is a holiday celebrated in the United States that commemorates the June 19, 1865, announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas, and more broadly, the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans throughout the Confederate South.
On this day, Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were now free. This was more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which had become official on January 1, 1863, but news of the Proclamation and enforcement of it had been inconsistent, especially in remote areas like Texas.
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Publishers throughout the North responded to a demand for copies of Lincoln’s proclamation and produced numerous decorative versions, including this engraving by R. A. Dimmick in 1864.
National Museum of American History, gift of Ralph E. Becker
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The name "Juneteenth" is a blend of "June" and "nineteenth," reflecting the date of the celebration. Today, Juneteenth is celebrated with various activities including parades, barbecues, and educational events that highlight African American culture and contributions to society, and it serves as a time for reflection on progress made and the work that still lies ahead in the fight for racial justice.
As of 2021, Juneteenth is recognized as a state or ceremonial holiday in 47 of the 50 U.S. states, and efforts are ongoing to make it a federal holiday. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, making Juneteenth the 12th legal public holiday in the United States.
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Emancipation Day celebration, June 19, 1900 held in "East Woods" on East 24th Street in Austin. Credit: Austin History Center.
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View Our Juneteenth Digital Toolkit
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As you honor Juneteenth this year, here are additional resources to help you embrace the rich history of Freedom Day.
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