Juneteenth: Honoring Freedom and Celebrating Black Resilience

Jun 2

4 min read

In recent years, Juneteenth has gained renewed attention and celebration across the United States, yet the history of this holiday stretches back over 150 years. Known also as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, or Jubilee Day, Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the long and ongoing journey toward justice and equality in America. As we approach this meaningful day, many are asking important questions: Who made Juneteenth a holiday? Why is it called Juneteenth? Where did Juneteenth come from? When is Juneteenth? And perhaps most importantly - how to celebrate Juneteenth in a way that honors its legacy.

When is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is celebrated annually on June 19th. The name is a blend of the words “June” and “nineteenth,” reflecting the specific date in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom - two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863.

This delay was due to a combination of resistance by slaveholders and the slow spread of Union forces in the Confederate South. It wasn’t until Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and issued General Order No. 3 that the last remaining enslaved people in the U.S. learned they were free. That moment marked a turning point and is why June 19, 1865, is recognized as the symbolic end of slavery in the United States.

Where Did Juneteenth Come From?

Where did Juneteenth come from is a question that leads us straight into the heart of Texas. The holiday has its roots in Galveston, but quickly spread to Black communities across Texas and beyond. Early celebrations included prayer services, readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, picnics, musical performances, and other cultural events.

As Black Americans migrated to different parts of the country throughout the 20th century, they carried Juneteenth with them. Even during the Civil Rights Movement, when attention was often focused on voter rights and desegregation, Juneteenth remained an enduring reminder of freedom and perseverance.

Who Made Juneteenth a Holiday?

Juneteenth had been celebrated unofficially for generations, but the journey toward official recognition took time and relentless advocacy. Texas was the first state to make Juneteenth an official holiday in 1980, thanks to the efforts of State Representative Al Edwards, who is often referred to as the “Father of the Juneteenth Holiday.” Momentum grew from there. Dozens of states followed suit, declaring Juneteenth a state holiday or observance.

The pivotal moment came on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, officially making Juneteenth a federal holiday. The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, and Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black and South Asian vice president, stood beside Biden as he signed the legislation. The recognition marked a historic moment of acknowledgment for Black Americans whose ancestors had lived through slavery and fought for civil rights.

How to Celebrate Juneteenth

So, how can we celebrate Juneteenth in a way that honors its meaning?

Juneteenth is a celebration of Black freedom and culture, but it’s also a day of reflection and education. Here are some meaningful ways to honor the day:

1. Attend Local Events

Many cities host Juneteenth parades, festivals, concerts, and lectures. These events often feature Black artists, entrepreneurs, scholars, and performers. Participating helps support Black communities and deepens your understanding of the day’s significance.

2. Support Black-Owned Businesses

Use Juneteenth as an opportunity to discover and support Black-owned businesses, restaurants, and creators. Economic empowerment is a key pillar of equity and long-term change.

3. Educate Yourself and Others

Attend an educational workshop, read books, watch documentaries, or listen to podcasts about Black history, systemic racism, and the shadow of slavery. Great starting points include the national bestseller “The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabel Wilkerson or the 1985 drama film, The Color Purple, directed by Steven Spielberg.

4. Host a Gathering

Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a community potluck, or a virtual panel discussion, food and fellowship have always been central to Juneteenth celebrations. Traditional dishes often include red drinks and red foods, symbolizing strength and resilience.

5. Reflect and Engage

Take time to reflect on what freedom means, both historically and today. Consider writing, journaling, or speaking with friends and family about justice, allyship, and how to contribute meaningfully to equity in your community.

6. Volunteer or Donate

Find local organizations working toward racial justice, educational equity, or community betterment. Volunteering your time or donating funds can help build a lasting impact beyond the holiday.

A Celebration of Freedom and a Call to Action

While Juneteenth commemorates a historic moment of freedom, it also invites us to confront the realities that persist. Racial inequality, systemic injustice, and cultural erasure are not relics of the past; they remain deeply embedded in many aspects of American life. Celebrating Juneteenth means not only looking back but also looking forward with purpose and solidarity.

Juneteenth is more than just a holiday - it’s a dynamic expression of resilience, joy, and the unyielding pursuit of justice. As we gather to celebrate, let us remember the ancestors who dreamed of freedom, the leaders who fought for recognition, and the ongoing work that calls each of us to action.

In Summary:

When is Juneteenth? June 19th.
Why is it called Juneteenth? It combines "June" and "nineteenth," the date enslaved Texans learned of their freedom.
Where did Juneteenth come from? It originated in Galveston, Texas, in 1865.
Who made Juneteenth a holiday? Texas made it official in 1980; it became a federal holiday in 2021 under President Joe Biden.
How to celebrate Juneteenth? By attending events, supporting Black businesses, educating yourself, gathering in community, and taking meaningful action.