Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is an annual holiday, celebrated on June 19th, that commemorates the freedom of enslaved people in the United States. The name Juneteenth is a combination of the words "June" and "nineteenth." Also referred to as Emancipation Day and Freedom Day, Juneteenth is the oldest commemoration of its kind in the United States.
Why do we celebrate Juneteenth?
Juneteenth has become not only a time to commemorate Black liberation from the institution of slavery, but also an acknowledgment of resilience, solidarity, and culture of the Black community. Juneteenth allows us all to join together to celebrate the freedoms and lives that generations before fought bravely to secure.
The History of Juneteenth
During the American Civil War (1861-1865), emancipation was implemented in different places at different times. Emancipation became a well-known cause of celebration across the United States. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, and it went into effect on January 1, 1853. The proclamation freed persons who were enslaved in "rebellious states."
It was not until June 18, 1865, two and a half years after the signing of the proclamation was issued, that the Union army arrived in Galveston, Texas. The next day, on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers issued General Order No. 3, which informed Texans that enslaved persons were free.
The news was met with celebration, but also defiance. Those who were formerly enslaved went to great lengths to claim and maintain their freedom in the days following the announcement. Juneteenth has been celebrated annually since then and is recognized as one of the longest-running holidays established by African Americans. The holiday spread throughout Texas and spread to other states, honoring the end of slavery in the United States.
North Carolina became the 26th state in 2007 to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday. The day was recognized as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. Juneteenth is about freedom, liberation, and celebration. It is a holiday for North Carolinians to come together to foster connections that will continue to empower and uplift the community.