Juneteenth: A Time for Joy and Contemplation—Understanding Its Meaning and Ways to Honor It

As summer begins, it’s also the season to observe Juneteenth. While this federal holiday is well-known to many, others might find themselves curious about its significance. For those unfamiliar, here’s an overview of Juneteenth’s history, its profound importance, and meaningful ways to celebrate this pivotal day.

What Is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when the last enslaved African Americans in the U.S. were informed of their freedom—over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was enacted. The name "Juneteenth" combines June and 19, and it is also referred to as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day.

The History of Juneteenth

On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln enacted the Emancipation Proclamation, which liberated enslaved individuals of African descent, stating, "…all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State… shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free…"

While this was a monumental step, over 250,000 people in Texas remained enslaved for another two and a half years. The delay occurred because Texas, under Confederate control until the Civil War ended in May 1865, ignored Lincoln’s decree. Only after the Confederacy fell and Union forces intervened did freedom become a reality. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger and his troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, proclaiming the end of the war and the emancipation of all enslaved individuals in the state.

Why Juneteenth Is So Special

"Though it may appear as a brief moment in history, it represents a pivotal point in the ongoing fight to fulfill the ideals of American democracy and liberty," says Shennette Garrett-Scott, PhD, an associate professor of history and African American studies at the University of Mississippi and author of the acclaimed book Banking on Freedom: Black Women in U.S. Finance Before the New Deal. "Juneteenth would likely have faded into obscurity had it not been for the countless formerly enslaved individuals who kept the memory of that day alive."

Professor Shennette Garrett-Scott, PhD

The inaugural Juneteenth celebration took place in Texas in 1866, marking the oldest known commemoration of slavery’s end in the United States. Texans have honored this day for more than 150 years—my father, born in Houston during the 1940s, recalls celebrating it with great enthusiasm as a child. Despite its long-standing significance, Juneteenth only gained recognition as an official state and federal holiday in recent years.

When Did Juneteenth Become a Federal Holiday?

Juneteenth, also referred to as Emancipation Day and Freedom Day, was not officially recognized as a holiday in Texas until 1980. It became a federal holiday in June 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.

Every state has, at some point, acknowledged Juneteenth as either a holiday or a day of observance. Currently, at least 28 states and the District of Columbia recognize Juneteenth as a paid holiday, granting state employees a day off with pay. (This year, June 19 occurs on a Wednesday.)

The Lasting Legacy of Juneteenth

Over time, the significance and observance of Juneteenth have transformed, mirroring shifts in U.S. society. Garrett-Scott notes that early celebrations centered on the core values of freed individuals: family, faith, and civic engagement. "In addition to picnics and barbecues, African Americans engaged in discussions about voting rights and promoted involvement in the political process," she explains.

During the Jim Crow era—marked by legalized racial segregation—Juneteenth became a celebration that reinforced Black culture, Garrett-Scott adds. The Great Migration, which saw millions of African Americans relocate from the rural South to urban areas in the North and West, helped spread Juneteenth celebrations nationwide.

Following World War II, Juneteenth gained renewed significance in the struggle for civil rights and the Black Power movement. Garrett-Scott highlights that after Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, the Poor People's March organized Solidarity Day, a gathering at the Lincoln Memorial on June 19, 1968, just five days after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech. The event included singing, prayers, and speeches. "The holiday became a unifying moment for people nationwide to honor Black culture and the principles of American democracy," she notes.

In the modern era, Juneteenth is celebrated by a wide array of individuals and nations globally, Garrett-Scott observes. "As a festival of freedom, Juneteenth has seamlessly adapted to the evolving cultural, economic, and political landscapes of a diverse and interconnected world."

Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth

Given that America is often referred to as the "melting pot" of the world, Garrett-Scott emphasizes, "we should seize every opportunity to celebrate the diverse contributions that have shaped the United States and to share a more layered narrative of our collective history."

Juneteenth provides a meaningful occasion to reflect on the enduring impacts of slavery, become more aware of ongoing racial disparities, and take steps to address these issues both personally and within society, she adds.

To honor this significant milestone in the abolition of slavery and celebrate the progress of African Americans since emancipation, a simple online search in your area will likely uncover a variety of events and activities, such as parades, neighborhood gatherings, cookouts, marches, and more. Here are additional ways to make your Juneteenth both festive and meaningful.

1. Celebrate with Family, Friends, or Your Community

Cities across the U.S. organize exciting Juneteenth events. In Galveston, Texas, attend the annual Juneteenth Family Fun Day Block Party at Reedy Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, featuring live performances by local dance troupes and musicians, delicious food from area restaurants, and vendors showcasing their crafts. On June 16, Philadelphia hosts its yearly parade, culminating at Malcolm X Park with family-friendly activities. In Congo Square in New Orleans on June 19, enjoy music from the African diaspora and witness West African and Afro-Cuban dance performances. Milwaukee’s Jubilee Parade and Street Festival begins at 8 a.m. on June 19, featuring floats, dance routines, and musical acts, including performances by local high school marching bands. In Los Angeles, be sure to attend the Leimert Park Rising Juneteenth Celebration.

You can also organize your own celebration, whether in a park or your backyard. "Gatherings offer a meaningful way to reinforce shared values," Garrett-Scott notes, emphasizing that it’s a perfect occasion for "intergenerational conversations between younger and older generations." Draw inspiration from past celebrations by incorporating elements like prayer, music, reciting the proclamation, and, naturally, delicious food.

2. Savor Meaningful Meals

Food has always played a central role in Juneteenth festivities, both as a means of connection and as a highlight of the celebration. "The African American community has traditionally united over meals made to be shared, often using ingredients that were accessible and reflective of their regional roots," says Michiel Perry, founder of Black Southern Belle and host of FoodNetwork.com’s digital series The Juneteenth Menu.

"Juneteenth began in Galveston, Texas, a tropical area, so many traditional dishes were influenced by the local climate and agriculture," she explains. "Today, the foods enjoyed during Juneteenth often reflect regional preferences, though ingredients are now more widely available."

The meals served on Juneteenth carry deep symbolism. "The color red is central to the celebration, paying tribute to the sacrifices and strength of African American ancestors, while greens like collards and turnips signify prosperity," Perry notes. Golden cornbread and sweet potatoes, commonly used in pies and cobblers, represent abundance and wealth.

"In the Lowcountry, red rice and seafood are essential to our Juneteenth traditions," Perry shares. She also mentions that red velvet cake, a beloved Southern dessert, is a family favorite she enjoys baking with loved ones for the holiday.

3. Do Some Research

Juneteenth is an ideal occasion to "deepen your understanding of freedom and racial dynamics in America, particularly the enduring impacts of slavery," Garrett-Scott suggests. Books are invaluable resources for learning. Consider reading Juneteenth by Ralph Ellison and On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed for insights into the holiday’s significance.

Museums like the National Museum of African American History & Culture offer valuable perspectives on the history and complexities of slavery. You can also visit local landmarks tied to Black history, such as Freedom Corner in Jackson, Miss., where Martin Luther King Junior Drive meets Medgar Evers Boulevard, or the Old Courthouse in St. Louis, Mo., where the Dred Scott v. Sandford case was decided.

4. Organize a Community Clean-Up

Communities of color, especially Black neighborhoods, often endure environmental racism, exposing them to greater risks like the Flint water crisis or Louisiana’s Cancer Alley. Garrett-Scott recommends using Juneteenth as a day of service, particularly since it’s now a paid holiday. Gather friends and contribute by cleaning up these areas. Activities like trash collection, clearing debris from waterways, and planting trees may seem small, but they can significantly reduce pollution and improve the quality of life in these communities.

5. Provide Financial Support

Support some of our favorite Black-owned businesses (not just on Juneteenth but throughout the year) and contribute to organizations dedicated to racial justice, such as the NAACP, American Civil Liberties Union, and Black Lives Matter.