While many people now know that Juneteenth is a federal holiday, not as many know the origins of this special date. In celebration of Juneteenth next Monday, here is some background on how the day came to be.
The Emancipation Proclamation was put into effect in 1863, but not all who were enslaved got to enjoy that freedom right away. It took about two years for the message that slavery, as they knew it to be, had ended to reach all of the United States. On June 19th, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, those still enslaved in Confederate territory received the message that slavery had ended and that they were free.
That is how “Juneteenth” came to be. The day when all enslaved people were set free from the horrible chains of slavery. It’s a day to celebrate and remember the sad history of our nation. However, not everyone knows about this day or its history. It wasn’t until 2021 that it became a federal holiday, finally getting the recognition that it deserved.
Even though slavery ended in 1865, it has stuck around and taken on different forms. From Jim Crow laws to police brutality to mass incarceration, African Americans still face the horrible effects of racism and injustice. It is important that everyone educates themselves about Juneteenth and the history of African Americans so we can continue to make change and bring equality to all.
