US President Joe Biden is about to sign a law making June 19, or “Juneteenth”, a national holiday recognized by the federal government.
Context
US President Joe Biden is about to sign a law making June 19, or “Juneteenth”, a national holiday recognized by the federal government.
- A bill to establish Juneteenth National Independence Day received bipartisan support in both houses of the US Congress.
What is Juneteenth?
- It commemorates the end of slavery after the American Civil War (1861-65).
- Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the US.
- It is observed on June 19 every year.
- At present, it is observed as a holiday in 47 US states and the District of Columbia.
- It is also known as Emancipation Day or Juneteenth Independence Day.
- On January 1, 1863, Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared all persons to be free.
- In the state of Texas, the first Juneteenth celebration started in 1866.
- Juneteenth was recognized as an official holiday in Texas on January 1, 1980.
- The day has evolved over the years, the people and communities have developed their traditions and customs.
Significance of Juneteenth day
- On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and announced an end to both the Civil War and slavery.
- Since then, Juneteenth has become a large symbolic date to represent freedom for African Americans.
