Juneteenth, observed on June 19th, commemorates the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced General Order No. 3, declaring that all enslaved people were free. This moment came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, which had legally freed enslaved individuals in Confederate states. However, due to the Civil War, enforcement of the proclamation was slow, and many enslavers in remote areas like Texas continued to exploit enslaved people until Union troops arrived to enforce the law.

Juneteenth—short for "June Nineteenth"—became a symbolic date representing Black liberation in America. Freedmen and women in Texas began celebrating annually with community gatherings, prayer services, music, food, and reflection on their journey to freedom. Over the years, the observance spread across the country, evolving into a nationwide celebration of Black culture, history, and achievements.

Despite its deep historical significance, Juneteenth was not widely recognized outside of Black communities for much of the 20th century. However, as the Civil Rights Movement and later racial justice movements gained momentum, so did efforts to have Juneteenth acknowledged on a larger scale. In 1980, Texas became the first state to officially recognize it as a holiday, paving the way for broader national recognition. On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth was officially designated as a federal holiday, ensuring its place in American history as a day of remembrance, reflection, and celebration.

Today, Juneteenth is honored with parades, festivals, historical reenactments, educational events, and discussions on racial equity and justice. It serves as a powerful reminder of both the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans and the ongoing journey toward true equality.