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Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day and Cel-Liberation Day, is an American holiday celebrated annually on June 19th. Established as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union general Gordon Granger read federal orders in Galveston, Texas, that all previously enslaved African Americans in Texas were free. Although the Emancipation Proclamation had formally freed them almost two and a half years earlier, and the American Civil War had largely ended with the defeat of the Confederate States in April, Texas was the most remote of the slave states, with a lower presence of Union troops, so enforcement of the proclamation had been slow and inconsistent.
Over time, notable events, contributions, and experiences of African Americans were nearly forgotten due to a tendency to omit these stories from U.S. history textbooks and curriculum taught in schools, according to Alanna Pittard. Juneteenth is among the numerous lesser-known narratives that are resurfacing after years of existing in the margins of society. This resurgence serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of inclusivity and comprehensive representation in our historical narratives.
Today, Juneteenth has attained mainstream recognition as the official end of slavery in America. It is a symbol of resilience and the ongoing fight for equality and justice. It is imperative that the stories of Black Americans be acknowledged, preserved, and celebrated at the level of validity that they deserve. Black history is American history.
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