The origins of Juneteenth

Just what is “Juneteenth” day and what does it celebrate?

Juneteenth was recognized as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. Even though it is in its infancy on paper, Juneteenth is considered the longest-running African American holiday in history.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture notes that Juneteenth marks a significant date in American history. June 19, 1865 marks the day when the Union Army arrived in Galveston, Texas, under General Gordon Granger, and announced to the locals that all enslaved African Americans were free.

While the Emancipation Proclamation went i...