The origins of
Juneteenth
Juneteenth was recognized as a federal holiday on June 17 , 2021 . Even though it is in its infancy on paper , Juneteenth is considered the longest-running African American holiday in history .
The National Museum of African American History and Culture notes that Juneteenth marks a significant date in American history . June 19 , 1865 marks the day when the Union Army arrived in Galveston , Texas , under General Gordon Granger , and announced to the locals that all enslaved African Americans were free . While the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect on January 1 , 1863 , and the Civil War ended in April 1965 , it took time before the end of slavery was actually enforced in resistant states like Texas .
Reactions to freedom ranged from utter joy to pure shock . Some former slaves awaited job offers from plantation owners , but others sought new lives elsewhere , primarily in the northern United States . Settling in new areas brought challenges , but individuals rose to those challenges .
The first of what would become an annual “ Jubilee Day ” celebration took place in Texas in the year following Granger ’ s arrival . Through the years , the day took on the name “ Juneteenth ” ( a shortening of June nineteenth ) and featured celebrations with prayer services , barbecues , music , and other social activities .
Texas was the first state to make Juneteenth an official holiday , with others following suit in subsequent years . It wasn ’ t until June 2021 that Congress passed a resolution establishing the celebration of Juneteenth as a national holiday . It was signed into law on June 17 , 2021 , a mere two days before the first official federal commemoration .
Juneteenth remains a celebration of not only freedom , but also family and the joy surrounding release from oppression . According to Juneteenth . com , special foods and beverages are served for Juneteenth celebrations , particularly those not available or consumed on a daily basis and many that are red in color . Celebrants recall their heritage and culture while looking ahead to future opportunities .
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