Juneteenth (officially Juneteenth National Independence Day and also known as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Black Independence Day) is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of African-American slaves. It is also often observed for celebrating African-American culture.
What is the difference between Independence Day and Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It is also called Emancipation Day or Juneteenth Independence Day. The name “Juneteenth” references the date of the holiday, combining the words “June” and “nineteenth .”
Why is it called Juneteenth?
Juneteenth honors the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States . The name “Juneteenth” is a blend of two words: “June” and “nineteenth.” It's believed to be the oldest African-American holiday, with annual celebrations on June 19th in different parts of the country dating back to 1866.
When did Juneteenth become a national holiday?
Juneteenth is the first federal holiday to be created by Congress since 1983 , when lawmakers designated the third Monday in January as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, in honor of the slain civil-rights leader. Texas was the first state, in 1980, to declare Juneteenth a holiday.
What is the true story of Juneteenth?
Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the 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.
Is it OK to say Happy Juneteenth?
Just say ‘ Happy Juneteenth! ‘ The easiest way to wish someone a Happy Juneteenth is by messaging them and wishing them a fulfilled day. Similar to Black History Month, and other important anniversaries to Black Americans, it is important to acknowledge it as an American holiday, even if you do not celebrate it.
What are the colors of Juneteenth?
The Juneteenth flag, which commemorates the day that slavery ended in the US. The red, white and blue represents the American flag, a reminder that slaves and their descendants were and are Americans. The star represents the freedom of African Americans in all 50 states.
What is another name for Juneteenth?
The holiday received its name by combining June and 19. The day is also sometimes called “Juneteenth Independence Day,” “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day.”
What is Juneteenth and why do we celebrate it?
He issued General Order No. 3 to inform enslaved people that they were free and that the Civil War was officially over. This is why we celebrate Juneteenth, because it honors the day all of the enslaved were made aware of the Emancipation Proclamation and were officially legally released from their bonds .
Is Juneteenth called Independence day?
The term Juneteenth is a blend of the words June and nineteenth. The holiday has also been called Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day. ... The vast majority of states recognize Juneteenth as a holiday or a day of recognition, like Flag Day, and most states hold celebrations.
Is Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2022?
President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday that was passed by Congress to set aside Juneteenth, or June 19, as a federal holiday. ... Pritzker closed government offices in his state as well, though the new holiday would not have been observed until 2023, since June 19 falls on a Sunday in 2022 .
WHO removes Juneteenth?
Federal workers usually get holidays off, but the short notice on Juneteenth has created some exceptions. And companies aren't required to observe holidays.
Do we get paid for Juneteenth?
President Joe Biden on Thursday signed a bill that makes Juneteenth a federal holiday, meaning most federal employees get a paid day off Friday .
What should I read for Juneteenth?
- Four Hundred Souls. by Ibram X. ...
- A Little Devil in America. by Hanif Abdurraqib. ...
- The Warmth of Other Suns. by Isabel Wilkerson. ...
- How to Be an Antiracist. by Ibram X. ...
- Between the World and Me. by Ta-Nehisi Coates. ...
- Homegoing. by Yaa Gyasi. ...
- Caste (Oprah's Book Club) by Isabel Wilkerson. ...
- I'm Still Here.
Is Juneteenth a federal holiday 2021?
On June 17, 2021 , President Biden signed into law Senate Bill 475 (S. Because June 19 th falls on a Saturday this year, the day will be observed by federal government offices on June 18, 2021. ...
How do you greet a Juneteenth?
Yes, it's appropriate to say ‘Happy Juneteenth Day ‘. Many people on social media say that this is a good way to acknowledge Juneteenth.
