Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, is a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The holiday has its roots in Texas, where on June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger announced in Galveston that the slaves in Texas were free, two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln had issues the emancipation Proclamation. This became known as Juneteenth and over time it spread to other states, with celebrations that include parades, barbeques, and community gatherings.
It was not until June 17, 2021, that Juneteenth was recognized as a federal holiday I the United States. This came after years of advocacy by activist and lawmakers, who believed that Juneteenth deserved recognition as an important milestone in American history. The holiday gained bipartisan support and signed into law by President Joseph Biden, making it the first new federal holiday established since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was approved in 1983.
With the creation of Juneteenth as a national holiday, it has become an opportunity for Americans of all backgrounds to acknowledge te legacy of slavery and celebrate the contributions of African Americans to the American culture & society. It serves as the reminder of the progress that has been made in the fight against racial injustice, while also highlighting the work that remains to be done. Juneteenth has become an important moment to reflect on the past, look towards the future, and work towards the future, and work towards a more just and equitable society.