The History of Juneteenth: Freedom Day Explained

What Does Juneteenth Mean?

Juneteenth is a combination of "June" and "nineteenth," commemorating June 19, 1865 — the day when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free. The holiday is also known as:

• Freedom Day
• Emancipation Day
• Jubilee Day
• Liberation Day

The Story of June 19, 1865

The Context

President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, declaring that all enslaved people in Confederate states were free. However:

• The proclamation had little immediate effect in areas still under Confederate control
• Texas was the most remote Confederate state
• Many slaveholders fled to Texas with enslaved people during the war
• Enforcement of the proclamation required Union military presence

The Announcement

On June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas with 2,000 federal troops. Standing on the balcony of Galveston's Ashton Villa, he read General Order No. 3:

"The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor."

The Delay

Why did it take over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation for the news to reach Texas?

• Geographic isolation: Texas was far from Union control
• Slow communication: No telegraph lines or mass media
• Resistance: Some slave owners deliberately withheld the information
• Limited enforcement: Few Union troops in Texas until war's end

The First Juneteenth Celebrations

1866: The First Anniversary

African Americans in Texas held the first Juneteenth celebration on June 19, 1866. These early celebrations featured:

• Prayer gatherings and church services
• Public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation
• Songs and spirituals
• Communal meals and barbecues
• Speeches from community leaders

Spreading Across America

As formerly enslaved Texans migrated to other states during the Great Migration (1916-1970), they brought Juneteenth traditions with them to:

• California (especially Los Angeles and Oakland)
• Illinois (Chicago)
• New York (Harlem)
• Michigan (Detroit)
• Pennsylvania (Philadelphia)

The Path to Recognition

State Recognition

Texas became the first state to make Juneteenth an official state holiday in 1980. By 2020, 47 states and Washington D.C. recognized Juneteenth in some form.

Federal Holiday Status

On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, making Juneteenth the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983.

Why Juneteenth Matters Today

A Day of Reflection

Juneteenth reminds us that freedom delayed is freedom denied. The 2.5-year gap between the Emancipation Proclamation and the liberation of enslaved Texans illustrates how rights on paper don't always translate to rights in practice.

Celebrating Progress

Juneteenth celebrates the end of one of America's darkest chapters and honors the resilience, strength, and contributions of African Americans who built much of this nation while enslaved.

Acknowledging Ongoing Work

While Juneteenth marks the end of slavery, it also reminds us that the fight for true equality continues. The holiday encourages reflection on:

• Systemic racism and inequality
• Economic disparities
• Criminal justice reform
• Voting rights protection
• Educational equity

How Juneteenth is Celebrated

Modern Traditions

Today's Juneteenth celebrations blend historical commemoration with joyful community gathering:

• Parades and festivals in cities across America
• Educational events at museums and schools
• Public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation
• Live music featuring gospel, jazz, and hip-hop
• Traditional foods like BBQ, red velvet cake, and strawberry soda
• Art exhibitions showcasing Black artists
• Community service and volunteer projects

The Significance of Red Foods

Many Juneteenth celebrations feature red foods and drinks, symbolizing:

• The blood shed by enslaved ancestors
• Resilience and perseverance
• West African traditions (red kola nuts, hibiscus)

Popular red foods include: red velvet cake, strawberries, watermelon, red beans and rice, and hibiscus tea.

Galveston: The Birthplace of Juneteenth

Galveston, Texas remains the epicenter of Juneteenth celebrations. The city hosts:

• Multi-day festivals with hundreds of thousands of attendees
• The Juneteenth Legacy Project at the Osterman Building (where General Order No. 3 was read)
• Historic tours and museum exhibitions
• The largest Juneteenth celebration in the nation

Find Juneteenth 2026 Events

Honor the history of Juneteenth by attending a celebration in your community. From intimate gatherings to massive festivals, there are events happening across all 50 states.

Learn More

Continue your Juneteenth education with these resources:

• Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
• Read "On Juneteenth" by Annette Gordon-Reed
• Watch documentaries like "Juneteenth Jamboree" and "Miss Juneteenth"
• Explore family-friendly ways to celebrate

Share This History

Help spread awareness about Juneteenth's significance. Share this article with friends, family, coworkers, and on social media. Education is the first step toward understanding and change.