Celebrating the legacy of emancipation, community, and progress in America
By David LaGuerre –
Juneteenth, now a national holiday, marks a turning point in American history—the day when freedom finally reached the last enslaved African Americans in Texas. For generations, Black families have honored this day as a symbol of resilience, hope, and the ongoing fight for equality. Today, as Juneteenth gains national recognition, every American is invited to reflect, celebrate, and take action toward a more just future.
The Origins and Meaning of Juneteenth
The Road to Emancipation
Juneteenth’s roots stretch back to the Civil War era. On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation declaring enslaved people in Confederate states free. Yet, the decree did not immediately translate into liberty for millions. Enforcement depended on Union military advances, and in far-flung Texas, the news of freedom took time to arrive, leaving many in bondage well into 1865.
How Freedom Was Announced in Texas
On June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger and his 2,000 troops landed in Galveston, Texas, the westernmost Confederate state. On that day, General Order No. 3 was read aloud:
“The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves.”
This proclamation set off a wave of jubilation. Enslaved individuals, who had endured unimaginable hardships for generations, finally heard the long-awaited words of freedom. The news spread by word of mouth, carried by Union soldiers, and celebrated in community gatherings along the Texas plains. For an estimated 250,000 enslaved people, that day marked the end of hardship and the beginning of a new chapter.
The First Juneteenth Celebrations
The day after the announcement, freedmen in Texas gathered in jubilant celebrations. They organized what became known as “Jubilee Day” festivities featuring prayer, music, food, and community storytelling. These early celebrations not only marked the moment of emancipation but also laid the foundation for a lasting cultural tradition. As time went on, as families moved and communities grew, the observance of Juneteenth evolved into a powerful reminder of both historical sacrifice and future promise.
The Journey to a National Holiday
Decades of Advocacy and Key Figures
For decades, Juneteenth was celebrated primarily within Black communities, especially in Texas. In 1980, Texas became the first state to formally recognize it as a holiday. Over time, passionate advocates—many of whom lived through the Civil Rights era—pushed for national recognition. Among these voices stands Opal Lee, affectionately known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” At the age of 89, she walked from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., gathering over 1.6 million petition signatures. As she famously said, “None of us are free until we’re all free.”
Who Supported and Opposed Federal Recognition
The move to nationally recognize Juneteenth gained bipartisan momentum in recent years. In 2021, Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. The legislation passed the House by a decisive 415-14 vote and received unanimous approval in the Senate. President Joe Biden signed the bill into law on June 17, 2021, marking the day as a milestone—the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established.
Supporters hailed the holiday as long overdue—a tribute to centuries of struggle and a step toward healing. President Biden stated, “This is a day of profound weight and profound power, a day in which we remember the moral stain, the terrible toll that slavery took on the country and continues to take.” Yet, some detractors expressed concern that adding another national holiday fueled “identity politics” and questioned the economic implications. Despite these objections, the overwhelming public support and bipartisan legislation underscored the holiday’s importance.
Why National Recognition Matters
Recognizing Juneteenth on a federal level is not simply symbolic. It acts as an official acknowledgment of the nation’s complicated past and renews the call to address the enduring disparities born from centuries of systemic racism. The holiday compels society to reflect on how much progress has been made and how far the journey toward true equality remains. With over 24 states and Washington, D.C., now observing Juneteenth publicly, the holiday serves as a rallying point for both remembrance and ongoing advocacy.
Juneteenth 2025: Celebrations Across America
Major National and Local Events
This year, Juneteenth 2025 is being celebrated with renewed energy across the country. In Texas, the heartbeat of the holiday, Houston hosts the Juneteenth Culture Fest. Across multiple venues—from Miller Outdoor Theatre to Discovery Green—festivals feature live gospel, blues, and R&B performances, food stalls offering traditional dishes, and educational workshops at local museums. Galveston, where Juneteenth’s story began, celebrates with a parade along Ball Street advancing to Wright Cuney Park, followed by a community picnic and cultural events emphasizing the rich history of Texas freedmen.
Across the eastern seaboard, Washington, D.C., embraces the day with free programs at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Engaging activities such as spoken word performances, mural painting, and interactive history exhibits provide residents and visitors an immersive experience of the holiday’s significance. New York City’s Lewis Latimer House in Queens is hosting the Juneteenth Family Festival, highlighting Black innovation with hands-on activities for all ages. In Atlanta, the 13th Annual Parade and Music Festival, featuring a 5K Freedom Run at Piedmont Park and an array of cultural showcases, draws thousands into a day of unity and festivity.
New Ways Communities Are Celebrating
Innovative celebrations have also taken shape in communities around the country. In Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a 12-day festival titled “A Reckoning: Reclaiming the Past, Remembering Black Voices, Reshaping the Future” blends history with technology. Attendance includes panel discussions, augmented reality museum experiences, and live African drumming sessions. Detroit, too, is making its mark with the Detroit Tigers’ “Black in Baseball” series—a week-long tribute to Black athletic excellence with dedicated heritage nights and curated exhibits.
Increasingly, Juneteenth events are incorporating wellness and education into their festivities. Yoga sessions, health equity discussions, and teacher workshops aimed at integrating Juneteenth into school curricula are now a common feature. These modern touches not only honor the past but also prepare communities to build a healthier, more inclusive future. As Dr. Angela Davis remarked, “Juneteenth is a time for reflection, remembrance, and celebration.”
Instilling Pride and Moving Forward
Why Juneteenth Inspires Us All
Juneteenth resonates deeply across generations. It is a celebration of survival, an acknowledgment of historical pain, and a testament to the strength of the human spirit. The message behind Juneteenth is simple: freedom is a hard-won right that must be cherished and defended. Frederick Douglass once stated, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” The legacy of Juneteenth is an enduring reminder of that truth—a call to honor our history while forging pathways toward equality and justice.
How to Get Involved and Take Action
Inspiration from Juneteenth should extend beyond celebration—it should spark community action. There are many ways to take part:
• Engaging in local parades, festivals, and educational programs helps sustain the community spirit of Juneteenth.
• Supporting Black-owned businesses and artists fuels economic empowerment and reinforces the holiday’s values at a grassroots level.
• Volunteering with local organizations dedicated to racial justice offers practical, meaningful change.
• Educating oneself and sharing the rich history of Juneteenth ensures the stories of the past inspire future activism.
• Advocating for policy changes to eliminate institutional disparities carries the spirit of Juneteenth into everyday life.
As President Biden put it, “Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of our ability to change—to close our deepest wounds, and reach new mornings.” Every act of engagement and advocacy makes a difference.
The Power of Remembrance and Unity
Juneteenth remains more than a day on the calendar; it is a living testament to the struggles and triumphs of African Americans. It is a day in which we honor the sacrifice of our ancestors, reflect on the progress made, and commit ourselves to the work still ahead. Whether you join a parade, gather with family for a meal, or educate yourself about this vital history, let the spirit of Juneteenth inspire you. Each of us carries the torch of freedom forward—raising it high for our communities, our country, and our collective future.
