what is juneteenth

Juneteenth is an American holiday celebrated on June 19th to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. It marks the date in 1865 when the Union Army, led by General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas and liberated the last remaining enslaved African Americans in the South. The holiday is also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, or Emancipation Day.

The origins of Juneteenth date back to the end of the Civil War in 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln. However, due to the lack of communication in the rural areas of the South, many African Americans were unaware of their newfound freedom until General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the news. Thus, June 19th became known as the day enslaved African Americans were finally freed in the United States.

Juneteenth is an important day in American history that is celebrated annually to commemorate the end of slavery. Festivities and activities vary from state to state, but usually include parades, barbecues, and theatre performances. Juneteenth has become a day of joy, remembrance, and reflection to celebrate the progress of African Americans since the end of slavery.