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.
Which states do not recognize Juneteenth?
According to the Congressional Research Service, a government body that provides research to inform lawmakers, South Dakota is the only US state that does not have a law to mark the celebration of Juneteenth. The most recent states to add a law recognizing the holiday are Hawaii and North Dakota.
What is Juneteenth and why is it important?
Juneteenth, or “Freedom Day” is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States . This holiday is considered the “longest running African-American holiday” and has been called “America's second Independence Day.” It was on June 19, 1865 that Union soldiers, led by Maj. Gen.
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.
Why is Juneteenth significantly important?
The Emancipation Proclamation is significant because it legally ended slavery in the United States . ... Juneteenth — also known as “Freedom Day”, “Liberation Day”, or “Emancipation Day” — celebrates the end of the enslavement of people of African descent, primarily in the states of the former Confederacy.
What was the first state to free slaves?
In 1780, Pennsylvania became the first state to abolish slavery when it adopted a statute that provided for the freedom of every slave born after its enactment (once that individual reached the age of majority). Massachusetts was the first to abolish slavery outright, doing so by judicial decree in 1783.
What is another name for Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, official name of federal holiday Juneteenth National Independence Day, also called Emancipation Day , Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Black Independence Day, and Juneteenth Independence Day, holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, observed annually on June 19.
What traditional food is served in Juneteenth?
The History Behind Staple Juneteenth Foods: BBQ, Watermelon & Red Drinks – Black Restaurant Week.
Which state was the last to free slaves?
Mississippi Becomes Last State to Ratify 13th Amendment
After what's being seen as an “oversight†by the state of Mississippi, the Southern territory has become the last state to consent to the 13th Amendment–officially abolishing slavery.
What are the colors of Juneteenth?
What Do the Colors and Symbols of the Juneteenth Flag Represent? The flag's colors — red, white and blue — were deliberately chosen by Haith to demonstrate that even throughout enslavement, African Americans were always American. And its design is just as symbolic.
Is Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2022?
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill on Wednesday to make Juneteenth an official state holiday. ... 1, 2022, will make June 19 a paid day off for all state employees and a school holiday when it falls on a weekday.
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 the heck is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day. Celebrates the emancipation of the last remaining enslaved people in the United States . ... Though slaves were emancipated on this day, life was not easy for them. People unfortunately didn't just decide to play nice together after this.
What should you do on Juneteenth?
- Find an event in your neighborhood. ...
- Host your own backyard party. ...
- Cook some traditional foods. ...
- Support Black-owned businesses. ...
- Listen to Black artists. ...
- Read books written by Black authors and poets. ...
- Watch Black TV shows and movies. ...
- Visit an exhibit or museum dedicated to Black culture.
What exactly does Juneteenth celebrate?
Known to some as the country's “second Independence Day,” Juneteenth celebrates the freedom of enslaved people in the United States at the end of the Civil War . For more than 150 years, African American communities across the country have observed this holiday. (Here's why Juneteenth is a celebration of hope.)
