On June 19, people across the United States celebrate Juneteenth. It is a day for African-Americans to celebrate their heritage. This holiday commemorates the ending of slavery in the U.S. in 1865. Juneteenth is short for “June 19th.” This day is also referred to as "Freedom Day" or "Emancipation Day". It is the oldest known holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the US.

The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862. It went into effect on January 1, 1863. However, slaves were not set free in the Confederacy until Union army was able to come in and take over. On June 18, 1865 the Union army arrived in Galveston, Texas. The next day, June 19th, General Gordon Granger announced that the slaves in Texas were free by order of the president of the United States.
Juneteenth celebrations include religious services, cookouts, parades, and festivals featuring music and dancing. Now, 48 out of 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday.
Join Family Focus Resource Center in celebrating Juneteenth as a great turning point for freedom in our nation’s history. The FFRC offices will be closed on Monday, June 20th in observance of this special day.