10 Facts About Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom and Progress

Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day, or Black Independence Day, is a significant holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Here are 10 interesting facts to add to your Juneteenth knowledge:

☑ Though the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, it didn't immediately free enslaved people in all Confederate states. Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation news reaching the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, on June 19th, 1865.

☑ Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with General Order Number 3, officially announcing the end of slavery in the state.

☑ Juneteenth celebrations initially began in Texas, but observance has spread throughout the United States and even internationally.

☑ Early Juneteenth celebrations were joyous occasions marked by prayer, music, food, and fellowship. Traditions continue to evolve, but the celebration of freedom remains central.

☑ The Juneteenth flag incorporates the colors of the American flag, symbolizing the newly gained freedom within the United States. It also has a red stripe representing the blood shed by enslaved people and a single star representing Texas (originally) or a new beginning.

☑ In 1872, formerly enslaved people in Houston, Texas, purchased land specifically for Juneteenth celebrations. This historic park, known as Emancipation Park, remains a central location for Juneteenth festivities in Houston.

☑ Juneteenth became a federal holiday in the United States in June 2021, recognizing its national significance.

☑ Juneteenth is not just a day of celebration; it's also a time for reflection on the ongoing fight for racial equality in the United States.

☑ Juneteenth is increasingly seen as an opportunity to support Black-owned businesses and promote economic empowerment within the Black community.

☑ Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the importance of learning about the history of slavery in the US and the ongoing struggle for racial justice.

By understanding the origins and significance of Juneteenth, we can participate in a more meaningful celebration and contribute to a more equitable future.