Juneteenth FAQs
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a U.S. holiday that commemorates the abolition of slavery. The June 19
celebration is also called Juneteenth Independence Day, Emancipation Day or Freedom
Day. "Juneteenth" is an amalgamation of the words "June" and "nineteenth," and it refers to
the holiday's date.
What is the origin of Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a remembrance of the day the last
slaves were freed in Galveston, Texas. This
happened some two and a half years after President
Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation
Proclamation.
Freed slaves first celebrated the holiday in Texas, but
African Americans were celebrating Juneteenth in
other states within a few years, making it an annual
tradition.
Is Juneteenth a national holiday?
President Biden on Thursday signed a bill to recognize Juneteenth — the celebration to
commemorate the end of chattel slavery in the United States — as a federal holiday.
Federal employees will observe the holiday for the first time on Friday..
How is Juneteenth celebrated?
Prayer and worship services, speeches, educational activities, family gatherings, picnics,
food, music, and dancing festivals are all standard features of Juneteenth celebrations
across the United States.
Can I celebrate Juneteenth if I am not black?
Yes, people of all backgrounds are welcomed to celebrate Juneteenth. American history is a
shared experience, and our traditions are intended to educate, engage, and empower all
people. Juneteenth is part of the American tradition.
You can support Juneteenth activities by learning more about the history of chattel slavery in
the United States, emancipation and participate in local celebrations. Parents can also share
information with their children about this often-hidden part of American history.
