06/19/2026
Today, we celebrate Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3 in Galveston, Texas, declaring freedom for slaves in Texas. This day, a blend of “June” and “nineteenth,” marks a significant moment in history and honors African-American culture and resilience. Thanks to the efforts of activists like Lula Briggs Galloway and Opal Lee, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021.