06/19/2026
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates a pivotal moment in American history. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced General Order No. 3, informing enslaved African Americans of their freedom. This occurred over two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.
Juneteenth has grown from local celebrations in Texas to a nationally recognized holiday, officially becoming a federal holiday in 2021. Juneteenth is both a celebration of progress and a reminder of the work still needed to achieve true justice and freedom for all. It serves as an important opportunity to honor African American history, culture, and resilience.