What is Juneteenth? Check history, significance, celebration and more

The delay underscored the complexities of ending slavery in 19th century America, when it faced significant hurdles. Juneteenth signifies the abolition of slavery but also serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality. 

When is Juneteenth celebrated?

Juneteenth is a combination of the words made from June and 19th, known as Emancipation Day. The day was first commemorated in 1865 after the Confederate state surrendered to end the Civil War, when a Union general arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved African Americans of their freedom under President Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Emancipation Proclamation. 

Texas officially declared Juneteenth a holiday in 1980. At least 28 states and the District of Columbia now legally recognise Juneteenth which is declared a state holiday and it has been given a paid day off. 

The day honours those who suffered as a result of slavery in the 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived in the colonies which later became the United States.

What is the significance of Juneteenth this year?

This is the fourth year for Juneteenth as a federal holiday, all U.S. government employees and any private business participants have the day off from work. 

However, not all state governments recognise the holiday, which means state employees in those states will report to work. The legislature would have to pass bills to make it a permanent holiday. 

In 2023, Connecticut, Minnesota, Nevada and Tennessee declared a permanent public holiday for the first time, reported Pew Research Center. 

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey recognises Juneteenth as a state holiday this year by decree, after several efforts by state lawmakers to make Juneteenth a permanent state holiday.

Race is still a sensitive issue in the United States, even four years after the killing of George Floyd and other black Americans at the hands of police. Floyd’s killing led to violent protests across the world, leading to calls to make reforms in criminal justice and attention to other racial inequities.

How is Juneteenth celebrated?

People offer prayers and invite family gatherings and then includes annual pilgrimages to Galveston by formerly enslaved people and their families as per Juneteenth.com.

In 1872, a group of African American ministers and businessmen in Houston purchased 10 acres of land and created Emancipation Park which was intended to hold the city’s annual Juneteenth celebration.

The celebration takes place among families in the backyards where food is an integral element. Some cities like Atlanta and Washington, hold larger events which include parades and festivals with residents, local businesses and more.

First Published: Jun 19 2024 | 3:18 PM IST