The History of Juneteenth and How It Became a Federal Holiday
Juneteenth became the first new federal holiday since 1983 after decades of campaigning, and more than half the states now recognize it as paid leave.
- On Friday, the United States marks the fifth anniversary of Juneteenth as a federal holiday, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865.
- Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston on June 19, 1865, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. He issued General Order No. 3, informing enslaved people they were free following the Civil War's end.
- Known as the 'grandmother of Juneteenth,' Texas activist Opal Lee campaigned for decades to establish the federal holiday. Historian Tommie D. Boudreaux says the day represents a "major part of Americans' history."
- While the holiday now provides a day off for federal employees, educator Kendra Greene from Port Arthur, Texas, told theGrio that celebrations by those who "don't understand the root of the holiday" risk watering down its meaning.
- Events range from bike rides in Los Angeles to festivals on Martha's Vineyard, though some cities scaled back celebrations last year amid declining support for diversity initiatives. The day remains a significant national observance.
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Despite its importance for marking the end of slavery, Juneteenth was considered a federal celebration at the national level until 2021
The history of Juneteenth and how it became a federal holiday
Today, the nation observes Juneteenth, a day commemorating when the last enslaved people in the U.S. found out they were free. Events are planned across the country to mark the fifth year since June 19 became a federal holiday.
What Is Juneteenth and How Did It Become a Federal Holiday?
Dozens celebrate Juneteenth, in honor of freedom and resilience, as they march over the 11th Street bridge in Historic Anacostia in Washington, D.C., on June 19, 2025. —Marvin Joseph—The Washington Post/Getty ImagesThis Friday is Juneteenth—a day that Black Americans have been celebrating for more than a century, but that only became a federal holiday a few years ago.The day has often been overlooked in American history books, and many people li…
The Independent
The Independent (US)Is Juneteenth a federal holiday? What to know about June 19th
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