What is Juneteenth and why do we celebrate it? A Texas history

Although Juneteenth is a nationwide celebration, the holiday traces its roots to Texas.

Juneteenth is observed annually on June 19 and commemorates events that took place 160 years ago in Galveston, about 57 miles southeast of Houston. 

Calling it an “often overlooked event in our nation’s history,” the National Museum of African American History said that Juneteenth occurred two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing all enslaved people in the rebellious states.

The implementation of the Emancipation Proclamation was limited in areas still under Confederate control, delaying freedom for many, particularly in Texas.

On June 19, 1865, Union troops freed enslaved African Americans in Galveston Bay and across Texas.

The army announced that more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as "Juneteenth" by the newly freed people in Texas.

When did Juneteenth become a federal holiday?

While it has been celebrated since 1866 and is one of the oldest continuing African American holidays, Juneteenth was officially made a federal holiday by President Joe Biden on June 17, 2021.

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a federal holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

When is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is observed annually on June 19.

Natassia Paloma may be reached at [email protected], @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.