History of JuneteenthA brief history of the Juneteenth holiday, according to the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation:
“It was not until Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX with 1800 troops. Then on June 19th, 1865, Granger issued General No.3 advising all, that slaves had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment. Thus, began what is now known as Juneteenth. It is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. The celebration not only commemorates African American freedom throughout America, it also emphasizes education and achievement internationally. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future.”
On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed into law Senate Bill 475 making Juneteenth a federal holiday. It is the first federal holiday established since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.