JUNETEENTH IS ALSO KNOWN AS FREEDOM DAY

Where does the name Juneteenth mean?
It is a combination of the words “June” and “nineteenth.”
What is the brief history of Juneteenth?
On September 22, 1862, Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. It went into effect on January 1, 1863. Slaves did not enjoy the status of freedom in the Confederacy immediately. The Union army had to take over on June 18, 1865, in Galveston, Texas. Juneteeth.org states, “…it was on June 19 that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation — which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance”
What other name designates this day?
Emancipation Day and Freedom Day.
Why do we celebrate Juneteenth?
It is a holiday celebrating the freedom of slaves in the United States.
When is Juneteenth celebrated?
June 19th of every year.
Who typically celebrates this day?
Although it as launched in Texas dating back to 1965, the day is popularly celebrated in the United States by not only Black Americans. Institutions such as museums, schools, community centers, and religious communities have embraced this holiday. Texas Juneteenth celebrations have been designated as an official state holiday since 1980. Numerous other states recognize this day as an official holiday or notable observance. Juneteenth.org states, “Today, Juneteenth is enjoying a phenomenal growth rate within communities and organizations throughout the country. Institutions such as the Smithsonian, the Henry Ford Museum, and others have begun sponsoring Juneteenth-centered activities. In recent years, many local and national Juneteenth organizations have arisen to take their place alongside older organizations — all with the mission to promote and cultivate knowledge and appreciation of African American history and culture.”
Are Juneteenth celebrations growing worldwide?
Juneteenth.org states, “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.”
How do people do to celebrate?
Parades, marches, barbecues, performances, ceremonies, public recognition awards, prayers, and a myriad of gatherings and ceremonies along with the raising of the Juneteenth Flag are some, but not all the ways Juneteenth folks celebrate. A recognition of our collective heritage, noble struggle, and faith-based triumphs drive home the point that not only does Black Life Matter, but Black Life has shattered all expectations of endurance, fortitude, and excellence. Government and educational facilities will often have host programs or propagate information about Black history.