What Is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It marks the date when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 and announced that enslaved people were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation took effect.
History and Significance
The holiday is also known as Emancipation Day or Jubilee Day. It celebrates African American freedom and honors the resilience of communities that built institutions, culture, and economic life after generations of enslavement. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021.
How Juneteenth Is Observed
Communities mark the day with parades, educational events, family gatherings, and support for Black-owned businesses. Many organizations use the occasion to promote financial literacy, workforce development, and access to capital for minority entrepreneurs. Learn more about Juneteenth history and resources from the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture at https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/juneteenth.
