Juneteenth

Juneteenth (a blending of the words June and nineteenth) is the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in the United States.

It is also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day and Cel-Liberation Day.

It commemorates June 19, 1865, the day that Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, and told slaves of their emancipation from slavery.  Texas was the last state in rebellion, following the end of the Civil War, to allow enslavement. Although the rumors of freedom were widespread prior to this, actual emancipation was not announced in the last state practicing enslavement until General Gordon Granger came to Galveston, Texas and issued General Order #3, on the "19th of June", almost two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Juneteenth is a holiday in 46 states across the nation. The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture says that the holiday marks our country’s second independence day. It has long been celebrated among the African American community. (Sources: NJOF and NMAAHC)

Photo: Juneteenth day celebration in Texas. 1900.
National Museum of African American History and Culture

How is the celebration observed today?

Modern observance is primarily in local celebrations. Traditions include public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, singing traditional songs such as "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" and "Lift Every Voice and Sing", and reading of works by noted African-American writers such as Ralph Ellison and Maya Angelou. Celebrations include rodeos, street fairs, cookouts, family reunions, park parties, and historical reenactments. (Wikipedia)

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