Understanding the Significance of Juneteenth as a Federal Holiday

Juneteenth, also known as June 19th, holds historical significance as the day when enslaved Black people in Texas finally learned of their freedom in 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War had limited enforcement in Confederate-controlled states.

The arrival of Union troops, led by Major General Gordon Granger, to Galveston Bay, Texas, marked a turning point. On June 19, 1865, General Order Number 3 was issued, officially declaring freedom for more than 250,000 enslaved Black individuals in Texas through executive decree.

That is what we know to be “Juneteenth,” The name Juneteenth comes from combining “June” and “nineteenth.”

Since then, Juneteenth has been observed annually in various parts of the United States, by Black-American culture. However, it just now was recognized as a federal holiday after President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act in 2021. 

While Juneteenth has been observed annually in various parts of the United States by the Black-American community, its significance and historical context have often been overlooked. The struggle for racial equality persisted long after the abolishment of slavery, with ongoing challenges such as racism, anti-Blackness, institutional discrimination, segregation, erasure from history, and economic disparities.

Juneteenth became an official federal holiday in 2021, following President Joe Biden’s signing of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. However, the holiday’s recognition serves as a reminder of the continued fight for equity, equality, and full inclusion within U.S. society.

Understanding the history and experiences of Black Americans is crucial in comprehending the ongoing battle for racial equality. From the emancipation of slaves to landmark events like the tragic murder of Emmett Till in 1955 and the killing of George Floyd in 2020, the question remains: “Is it possible to be Black and safe in the United States?”

Juneteenth serves as a moment to honor the freedom of the formerly enslaved while acknowledging the work that still needs to be done. It highlights the necessity of comprehensive education surrounding racial history and the pursuit of genuine equality for all.

As we commemorate Juneteenth, the words of Martin Luther King Jr. resonate: “No one is free until we are all free.” It is a reminder that true freedom and equality require collective action and an unwavering commitment to justice.