History of Juneteenth

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of ending slavery in the United States.

Until June 19th, 1865, two months after the end of the Civil War and two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, slavery remained in place in Texas. On June 19th, 1865, the Union Army reached Galveston, Texas, and pronounced that more than 250,000 enslaved people in Texas were now free. Juneteenth celebrations began in Texas and spread nationwide.

Why Juneteenth is Important

“Juneteenth is important, because it reminds us of what we came through and what we can achieve.”

“It's important to remember what we went through and that we were able to get out of the bondage of slavery as a nation. It's an important reminder and it’s important that we understand what it took. It's also important that the Juneteenth holiday survives. It allows each generation to reflect what more there is to do. Juneteenth places Black people at the center of the conversation about freedom, it's meaning and manifestation in this nation.”

“We should regularly consider the evolution of the meaning of freedom as we look at certain moments in the nation’s past and present.”

“Juneteenth should really be a rallying call for all of us to think about the meaning of freedom, particularly regarding African Americans, as well as to the nation and the rest of the world.”

Mary Elliott, Curator of American Slavery
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

How Juneteenth is Observed

Juneteenth is a time to gather as a family, reflect on the past and look to the future. Discover ways to celebrate this African American cultural tradition of music, food, and freedom.

Juneteenth today celebrates African American freedom and achievement while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. As it takes on a more national, symbolic, and even global perspective, the events of 1865 in Texas are not forgotten, for all of the roots tie back to this fertile soil from which a national day of pride is growing.