Juneteenth, now recognized as a federal holiday in the United States, commemorates June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery in accordance with President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued two and a half years earlier.

This day signifies the belated realization of freedom for enslaved African Americans in Texas, marking a pivotal moment in American history and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.

By designating Juneteenth as a federal holiday, the United States officially acknowledges and honors the contributions, resilience, and cultural heritage of African Americans while recognizing the importance of continuing the fight for equality and justice for all.