Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom and Independence
Historical Significance
Juneteenth, officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated annually on June 19th. It commemorates the end of slavery in the country, marking a significant milestone in American history.Origins of Juneteenth
On June 19th, 1865, nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed the remaining enslaved people that they were free. This day became known as Juneteenth, a contraction of "June Nineteenth."Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, independence, and the resilience of the African American community. It has been recognized as a state holiday in Texas since 1980 and became a federal holiday in 2021.
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