Juneteenth, the new federal holiday the US

Context

US President Joe Biden is about to sign a law making June 19, or “Juneteenth”, a national holiday recognized by the federal government.

• A bill to establish Juneteenth National Independence Day received bipartisan support in both houses of the US Congress.

What is Juneteenth?

• It commemorates the end of slavery after the American Civil War (1861-65).
• Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the US.
• It is observed on June 19 every year.
• At present, it is observed as a holiday in 47 US states and the District of Columbia.
• It is also known as Emancipation Day or Juneteenth Independence Day.
• On January 1, 1863, Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared all persons to be free.
• In the state of Texas, the first Juneteenth celebration started in 1866.
• Juneteenth was recognized as an official holiday in Texas on January 1, 1980.
• The day has evolved over the years, the people and communities have developed their traditions and customs.

Significance of Juneteenth day

• On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and announced an end to both the Civil War and slavery.
• Since then, Juneteenth has become a large symbolic date to represent freedom for African Americans.