What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans in the United States. It is celebrated widely in the African-American community, particularly in the Southern states. Juneteenth was first observed on June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed in Galveston, Texas to announce the emancipation of all slaves from state laws. It marks the day when African-Americans were officially made free from slavery.

The Significance of Juneteenth

Though the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued two and a half years prior, most of the African-American population had not been able to hear the news, and throughout the South, slaves were still kept in bondage. Juneteenth marks the day that the slaves were finally made aware of their emancipation, and remain a day of celebration and remembrance for African-Americans.

Juneteenth 2022

Juneteenth 2022 will fall on Saturday, June 18, 2022. It is a day of celebration and remembrance, with events including parades, festivals, and protests throughout the United States. It is an opportunity to commemorate African-American history, reflect on the hard-fought struggles which led to emancipation, and turn attention to the ongoing fight for equality and civil rights.