Why is today called Juneteenth?

What is the origin of Juneteenth? Juneteenth was originally celebrated in Texas, on June 19, 1866. It marked the first anniversary of the day that African Americans there first learned of the Emancipation Proclamation, more than two years after it was initially issued.

Why is this day called Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It is also called Emancipation Day or Juneteenth Independence Day. The name "Juneteenth" references the date of the holiday, combining the words "June" and "nineteenth."

Who came up with the name Juneteenth?

(Cardinal numbers like 8 refer to quantity.) Here, though, the -teenth ending is stuck on the name of a month. According to historian Annette Gordon-Reed, the word is exactly what it looks like: a contraction of the month and day (June 19) when General Granger made his announcement.

Why is Juneteenth celebrated on June 20th?

The federal holiday commemorates the day when over a quarter of a million enslaved Black people learned of their freedom after Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger and roughly 2,000 Union troops arrived at Galveston Bay, Texas on June 19, 1865. Juneteenth is the first federal holiday established since Martin Luther King Jr.

When did Juneteenth become a thing?

The national reckoning over race helped set the stage for Juneteenth to become the first new federal holiday since 1983, when Martin Luther King Jr. Day was created.

What is Juneteenth? History behind holiday celebrating the end of slavery

What can I say instead of Happy Juneteenth?

Just say 'Happy Juneteenth! ' The easiest way to wish someone a Happy Juneteenth is by messaging them and wishing them a fulfilled day. Similar to Black History Month, and other important anniversaries to Black Americans, it is important to acknowledge it as an American holiday, even if you do not celebrate it.

What celebrating Juneteenth means black?

Juneteenth – short for 'June nineteenth' – is a celebration marking the moment in 1865 when enslaved black people in Galveston, Texas, found out they were freed – more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.

How is Juneteenth different from Independence Day?

During the Civil War, the Confederates honored July 4 as fervently as the Union and proclaimed themselves “the loyal inheritors” of the principles of Independence Day. Juneteenth, by contrast, celebrates the conquest and destruction of those enslaver governments, in the name of universal individual freedom.

When did Juneteenth become a US holiday?

In 1980, Texas was the first to designate it as an official state holiday. In February 2022, South Dakota became the last.

What year did slavery end?

The House Joint Resolution proposing the 13th amendment to the Constitution, January 31, 1865; Enrolled Acts and Resolutions of Congress, 1789-1999; General Records of the United States Government; Record Group 11; National Archives.

How do you explain Juneteenth to a child?

“Juneteenth is a day to celebrate that our ancestors fought to be liberated. It's a time to celebrate their power, brilliance and tenacity.” “Juneteenth is a day to celebrate that our ancestors fought to be liberated. It's a time to celebrate their power, brilliance and tenacity.”

Which states recognize Juneteenth?

By the numbers: All 50 states either commemorate or observe Juneteenth but only 18 observe it as a permanent paid state holiday, those being Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia and ...

Why observe Juneteenth?

Also known as "Emancipation Day" or "Freedom Day," Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas and gave word to enslaved African Americans that they were free — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

Does florida recognize Juneteenth?

While some states celebrate Juneteenth as a paid holiday, Florida and more than 20 other states do not, though it is recognized in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

WHO removes Juneteenth?

New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Washington, Oregon and Delaware have all made Juneteenth a state holiday — with Texas being far ahead of the pack by instituting it in 1980 and Massachusetts in 2007.

What does the Juneteenth flag look like?

Deliberately consisting of a red, white, and blue color scheme just like the American flag, the Juneteenth flag has a white star in the center, meant to represent both Texas (the Lone Star State), as well as the freedom of enslaved people in all 50 states.

Will June 19th be a federal holiday in 2021?

Congress passed The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act in June 2021, a day after the Senate passed the bill with unanimous consent. Biden signed the bill into law on June 17 – two days before Juneteenth. The federal government followed the lead of 47 states that already recognized Juneteenth.

Is Juneteenth real?

Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Juneteenth marks the anniversary of the announcement of General Order No. 3 by Union Army general Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, proclaiming freedom for enslaved people in Texas.

Is Juneteenth a state holiday in California?

Last June, President Joe Biden signed a bill into law that made Juneteenth a federal holiday. Yet, it is not a California state holiday.

Does michigan recognize Juneteenth?

LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II issued a proclamation declaring June 19th as Juneteenth Celebration Day in Michigan. Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when slavery was abolished in the United States.

Is it rude to say Happy Juneteenth?

Yes, it's appropriate to say 'Happy Juneteenth Day'. Many people on social media say that this is a good way to acknowledge Juneteenth.

What are the colors of Juneteenth?

The official Juneteenth flag was red, white and blue displaying that all American slaves and their decendants were Americans. However, many in the black community have adopted the Pan-African flag, red black and green. The colors represent the blood, soil and prosperity of africa and its people.

What year were slaves freed in the United States?

President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, as the nation approached its third year of bloody civil war. The proclamation declared "that all persons held as slaves" within the rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall be free."

Is Juneteenth a federal holiday now?

Today, many African Americans mark Juneteenth with parties, parades and gatherings with family and friends. Texas became the first state to make Juneteenth a state holiday in 1980. In addition to it being a federal holiday, all 50 states and Washington, DC, recognize Juneteenth in some form.

What do the colors in the Juneteenth flag stand for?

The red, white and blue represents the American flag, a reminder that slaves and their descendants were and are Americans. June 19, 1865, represents the day that enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, became Americans under the law.