What to know about the holiday Juneteenth

June 19, 2023 /Social/ — Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the end of slavery in the country. The holiday falls on June 19, which is the date in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce that the enslaved people in the state were free, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

Juneteenth has been celebrated by African Americans since the late 1800s, and it became a state holiday in Texas in 1980. In the decades since, every state but South Dakota has formally recognized Juneteenth as a state or ceremonial holiday. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday.

Juneteenth is a day of celebration and reflection for African Americans. It is a time to commemorate the end of slavery and to reflect on the progress that has been made since then, as well as the work that still needs to be done to achieve racial justice.

There are many different ways to celebrate Juneteenth. Some people hold parades, festivals, and cookouts. Others attend church services or educational events. Still others simply spend time with family and friends.

There are many places where you can find Juneteenth events or activities. Here are a few suggestions:

Local government websites: Many cities and towns have websites that list Juneteenth events and activities. You can search for “Juneteenth events” or “Juneteenth celebrations” on the website of your local government.

Social media: Many organizations and businesses are promoting Juneteenth events on social media. You can search for “Juneteenth” on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to find events happening near you.

Online event listings: There are a number of websites that list events happening all over the country. You can search for “Juneteenth events” or “Juneteenth celebrations” on websites like Eventbrite, Meetup, or Facebook Events.

Word-of-mouth: Ask your friends, family, and neighbors if they know of any Juneteenth events happening. They may be able to give you some great suggestions.

Here are some specific examples of Juneteenth events and activities that you might find:

Parades: Parades are a popular way to celebrate Juneteenth. They often feature floats, marching bands, and other performers.

Festivals: Festivals are another great way to celebrate Juneteenth. They typically feature food, music, and other entertainment.

Cookouts: Cookouts are a festive way to celebrate Juneteenth with family and friends. You can grill up some burgers and hot dogs, or try some traditional African American dishes.

Church services: Many churches hold special services on Juneteenth to commemorate the holiday. These services often feature sermons about the importance of freedom and equality.

Educational events: There are a number of educational events that are held on Juneteenth. These events can teach you about the history of Juneteenth, as well as the history of African Americans in the United States.

No matter how you choose to celebrate Juneteenth, it is a day to remember the importance of freedom and equality for all people.

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