Celebrating Juneteenth

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

Juneteenth acknowledges African American freedom, education, and achievement. 

Juneteenth is a time to celebrate, reflect and share hope. 

“The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor.”

— General Orders, Number 3 Headquarters District of Texas, Galveston, June 19, 1865

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States. On June 19, 1865, the announcement of the abolition of slavery and the emancipation of African American slaves reached the slaves in Galveston, Texas. This was two years after The Emancipation Proclamation was issued. That day began the tradition of celebrating Freedom Day. The good news created an annual celebration to remember the past and to look to the future. Juneteenth is celebrated annually with gatherings, parades, and special programs. Texas was the first state to establish it as a holiday in 1979. 

On Thursday, Jun 17, two days before Juneteenth, President Joe Biden signed a bill establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act is the first new legal public holiday created since Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was signed into law in 1983 by Ronald Reagan. 

Juneteenth Resources and Activities:
18 Children’s Books to Honor Juneteenth and Black History

20+ ways to celebrate Juneteenth in the Houston area

Commemorate the 156th Juneteenth at events in Houston & Galveston

Sesame Street – Gordon and the Power of We Club 

National Museum of African American History & Culture

NMAAHC Kids – Understanding and Celebrating Juneteenth

Juneteenth.com