Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It’s also observed for celebrating African-American culture. Juneteenth is also called Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Black Independence Day.
Juneteenth starts Sunday, June 19, 2022. A form of celebration is eating barbecue, shooting fireworks, gathering, and sipping on red drinks.
People celebrate Juneteenth as a way to acknowledge our past faults, help heal current divisions, and move toward a future as a nation more united.
The first official Juneteenth celebrations took place in Texas. Within a few years, African Americans in other states started celebrating the day as well, making it an annual tradition.
Juneteenth is also celebrated outside of the United States, being used by organizations in a number of countries to recognize the end of slavery and to honor the culture and achievements of African Americans.
The historical legacy of Juneteenth shows the value of never giving up hope in uncertain times. Juneteenth marks our country’s second Independence Day. Although it has long been celebrated in the African American community, this monumental event remains largely unknown to most Americans.
Over the years, Juneteenth has become more important following the killing of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. It’s an opportunity for people to catch their breath about what has been this incredible pace of change and shifting.
Juneteenth is a holiday where we commit ourselves to work of equity, equality, and justice. Celebrating the centuries of struggle, courage, and hope that have brought us to this time of progress and possibility.