Juneteenth

The First Celebration

In Galveston, Texas, the first Juneteenth celebration occurred in 1866. One year earlier, June 19, 1865, is the date that Union Army general Gordon Granger announced General Order No. 3, which proclaimed freedom for slaves in Texas. This came two full years after Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation making slavery illegal, and marks the last state to finally free their slaves.

National Holiday

Juneteenth was declared a national holiday by President Biden in 2021 when he signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act making it a recognized federal holiday.

Celebrate

Juneteenth is the oldest national celebration of the ending of slavery in the USA. It is commemorated across the country with parades, musical events, religious and educational programs, and family gatherings and activities.

This holiday is not only for descendants of slaves. All Americans can be proud to celebrate the important values of liberty, justice, and unity that Juneteenth represents. Along with joyful celebrations, we can also use this important date as a call to action. Wherever we see oppression, let us resist hatred and “other-ing” of people of any race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability. If we have privilege, let’s use it to speak up for the oppressed, especially those who cannot easily or safely speak up for themselves.

Liberty, Justice, Unity

This Juneteenth I hope you find ways to celebrate liberty and justice in unity with your family, neighborhood, or community. May it be meaningful for us all.