June 19th, also known as Juneteenth, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It marks the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when Union Army General Gordon Granger announced in Galveston, Texas, that enslaved people were free under the terms of the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued more than two years prior. Juneteenth is celebrated with festivals, parades, family gatherings, and educational events, serving as a time to reflect on the history of slavery in the U.S., celebrate Black culture and resilience, and advocate for continued progress towards racial equality.
