Today, the United States celebrates Juneteenth. Juneteenth is far more than just a holiday – it is a heartfelt remembrance of the freedom and liberty of all Americans. While July 4th celebrates America’s independence from the British, Juneteenth represents true independence for ALL citizens. Juneteenth has been widely celebrated in the African American community for many years, and in recent years, there has been a marked increase in the observation and celebration of this historic day. In fact, Juneteenth is only the eleventh holiday to gain federal recognition when in 2021, President Joe Biden signed into law the establishment of Juneteenth as a national holiday. As our nation comes together to acknowledge this vital day in American history, let’s take a look back at the legacy of Juneteenth and what this holiday means today.
Each year, on June 19th, citizens of the United States gather together to celebrate Juneteenth. This holiday, widely regarded as America’s second Independence Day, celebrates the empowerment and emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. The name Juneteenth originates from the day of the holiday’s inception, June 19th, 1865. On this momentous occasion, the last remaining enslaved people in the United States were finally liberated in Galveston Bay, Texas. While the Emancipation Proclamation took affect on January 1st, 1863, it wasn’t until years later in 1865 when these shifts in law would take place for all.
On the fateful day of June 19th, 1865, Union troops arrived in western Texas to liberate the last of those still held under Confederate control. Approximately 2,000 troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, where they would go on to liberate more than 250,000 enslaved individuals in Texas by order of executive decree. The fulfillment of justice and a liberation deferred, this monumental day marks the conclusion of one of America’s darkest periods in history. While America certainly still had, and has, much work to be done regarding the establishment of liberty, justice, and equity for all, Juneteenth represents a transformative turning point in the pursuit of the ideals this nation was founded upon.
Throughout the years, Juneteenth has been known by many names, including Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Black Independence Day, and more. No matter what you call it, however, the heart of the celebration remains the same: a moment to cherish the progress our nation has enjoyed as we’ve pursued a more equal and equitable society. Regardless of how you choose to celebrate today, immersing yourself in the rich history and triumph of the African American community is always a wonderful way to enrich our lives and enjoy a fuller, more accurate portrayal of our nation’s history thus far. We at Trenton Daily wish a heartfelt and happy Juneteenth to all who celebrate and cannot wait to see how the Capital City kicks off this special day!
