Juneteenth: Celebrating the End of Slavery

A New Federal Holiday

Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, is the newest federal holiday in the United States.

Enacted in 2021, it became the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

A Day of Remembrance

Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19th each year, marking the day in 1865 when the news of the abolition of slavery reached Texas, the last Confederate state to surrender during the Civil War. It is a day of remembrance and celebration for African Americans, recognizing the end of a dark chapter in American history.

Observance and Recognition

Juneteenth is now observed as a federal holiday, giving federal employees a paid day off. Many states also recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday or as a day of recognition, similar to Flag Day. Celebrations and events honoring Juneteenth take place across the country, including parades, festivals, and historical reenactments.