June, a relatively recent addition to federal holidays, honors the liberation of enslaved Black Americans. Significant events are observed nationwide on June 19th, which marks the formal conclusion of the American Civil War and the day in 1865 when the last enslaved individuals in Texas learned of their freedom.
This year, the holiday occurs on a Thursday.
Here’s what you might find interesting about the upcoming celebration:
When did June become a federal holiday?
The Black community celebrated the news announced by Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, but it wasn’t recognized as a federal holiday until June 17, 2021. On that day, former President Biden signed it into law, surrounded by notable civil rights figures like Rep. Jim Clyburn, the late Sheila Jackson Lee, and Opal Lee.
Opal Lee, known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” walked 2.5 miles each year to spread the news of emancipation in Texas. In 2016, at the age of 89, she made a significant journey from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., advocating for the designation of June as a national holiday. Five years later, her dream materialized, and she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her efforts.
When was the first celebration of Juneteenth?
The inaugural celebration took place in 1866, a year after Granger’s orders. People often referred to it as “Jubilee Day” or “Freedom Day,” gathering in homes, parks, and community spaces to commemorate the occasion.
By 1872, it was included on public event calendars with support from the Freedmen’s Bureau, which was established for newly freed Black Americans. That same year, local activists in Texas pooled resources to buy 10 acres of land, which is now recognized as Houston’s Liberation Park.
The Freedmen’s Bureau has digitized archives from 1865 to 1872, allowing family historians to explore the heritage of their ancestors.
What will be closed on Juneteenth?
On June 19, U.S. postal services, banks, and stock markets will shut down. Essential government employees will also be granted the day off.
How can people celebrate Juneteenth?
Many use this holiday to reflect on the nation’s history. Across various cities and states, educational programs highlight the stories of the 250,000 Black individuals who gained their freedom.
Celebrations may include readings from President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, cookouts, festivals, and even contests. Additionally, some participate in singing the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Biden has expressed his intent to participate in Thursday’s events at the historic African Methodist Episcopal Church in Galveston.
Updated June 18th at 2:25pm
