Why is it called Juneteenth and not June 19th? Check its History and Origin

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, is an important day in American history that marks the end of slavery in the United States. Although President Abraham Lincoln released the declaration of liberation in 1863, it was not until June 19, 1865, African Americans were enslaved in Texas, finally they came to know that they were independent. The announcement was made by Union General Gordon Granger in Galveston, Texas, bringing liberation to the last remaining slave people in the Confederacy. That day is known as "Juneteenth," a combination of "June" and "nineteenth", and has since developed into a festival of African American independence, culture, and flexibility. In 2021, Juneteenth was officially declared a federal holiday, which recognized a long-standing injustice and continuous fight for equality in the United States.

Check Out:California State: Overview, Key Details and History

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a mixture of the words "June" and "nineteenth", which marks this day, on June 19, 1865, when people in Texas who were enslaved were finally declared free after two years of the declaration of liberation. The name "Junevanth" gave the day a unique cultural identity, which is different from just a calendar date. It originated as a celebration among neo-free African Americans and quickly became a symbol of black freedom and resistance. Using "Juanethi" instead of "June 19", communities honored the day not only as a historical event but also as a deep, meaningful tradition. Today, the delay in June vendor stands as a powerful reminder of justice and a constant struggle for equality in the United States.

History of Juneteenth

Ghulam African Americans began celebrating June 19 as "Juneth", marking it as the day of freedom, reflection, and Jubilee. Over time, the term exceeded a date - it became a symbol of black liberation and resistance, and an annual tradition in African American communities. Calling it "Juneteenth", the holiday was given a unique cultural identity beyond just one calendar date. Today, Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States, officially recognized in 2021, and is seen as the second Independence Day of America, marking the end of slavery and honoring the struggles of black Americans.

Juneteenth commemorates a pivotal moment in American history: the day the last enslaved African Americans in the Confederate states finally learned they were free.

Origin of Juneteenth

It wasn't until June 19, 1865, more than two years after Lincoln's proclamation and two months after the Civil War officially ended, that Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with federal troops. He issued General Order No. 3, which publicly declared to the people of Texas that all enslaved individuals were now free.

This day, June 19th, became a powerful symbol of liberation for these newly freed people. They began celebrating it annually, combining "June" and "nineteenth" to create the name "Juneteenth." These celebrations, initially centered in Texas, spread across the country as Black Americans migrated. Juneteenth officially became a U.S. federal holiday in June 2021, recognizing this crucial step towards universal freedom.

Major Facts on the Origin of Junteeth

Date of Origin: June 19, 1865, is when African Americans were declared slaves in Texas.

Place: Galveston, Texas, where Union General Gordon Granger announced the end of slavery.

General Order No. 3: This order implemented the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas, freeing the last slave people.

Delayed Freedom: The Emancipation Proclamation was released on January 1, 1863, but it took two years to reach Texas.

Name Meaning: "June" and "connects nineteenth."

First celebrated: The first joyful ceremony began in 1866, which included prayers, music, food, and communities.

Federal Holiday: Juneteenth became a U.S. Federal holiday in 2021.