Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated in the United States and elsewhere on June 19th, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, is a holiday celebrated in the United States and elsewhere on June 19th, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It was first celebrated in Texas in 1865 following the end of the American Civil War. It’s also known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Emancipation Day. Here’s why it took two years for Juneteenth to be recognized as an official holiday.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth marks the day that slavery was abolished in Texas on June 19th 1865. This day was two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed an act freeing all slaves in states that were still at war with the Union.
Why did it take 2 years for Juneteenth to become a national holiday?
Although Juneteenth began as a celebration of freedom by former slaves, it didn’t become a national holiday until 1966 when President Lyndon B Johnson declared it so by signing legislation making it so.
