Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth National Independence Day or Emancipation Day, is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated annually on June 19th. It commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.
Today Google Doodle celebrates Juneteenth by dedicating a special Doodle and it mentions, “This Doodle, illustrated by Oakland-based guest artist Christian Robinson, celebrates Juneteenth. The federal holiday honors the liberation of Black enslaved people in the United States. On this day in 1865, news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The executive order officially ended slavery in Confederate states.”
Source: Google Doodle
While the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, declared all enslaved people in Confederate states to be free, it took nearly two and a half years for the news to reach all enslaved people. Juneteenth marks the arrival of Union Major General Gordon Granger in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, who announced the end of the Civil War and the freedom of enslaved people in the state.
Google Doodle mentions, “Although the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect in 1863, several Confederate-led states, including Texas, continued to oppose it for years. In 1865, the tide changed, when Union troops marched to Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved Black Texans of their freedom.”
A Day of Reflection and Celebration
Juneteenth has become a day to celebrate African American freedom and culture. Traditionally, celebrations include parades, rodeos, barbecues, and music festivals. It's a day for families to come together, reflect on the past, and honour the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans.
Juneteenth's importance has grown in recent years. With a heightened national focus on racial justice, Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality. It's a day to recommit to creating a more just and equitable society.
How to Observe Juneteenth?
There are many ways to participate in Juneteenth celebrations. Here are a few ideas:
- Attend a local Juneteenth parade or festival.
- Learn more about Black history and culture.
- Support Black-owned businesses.
- Reflect on the ongoing struggle for racial equality.
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