Texas State Capitol in Austin

Celebrating freedom and resilience. Happy Juneteenth!

Every year on June 19, the United States marks Juneteenth National Independence Day, a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery. On this day in 1865—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued—Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that over 250,000 enslaved people were finally free. Texas was the last Confederate state to enforce freedom, making Juneteenth a powerful symbol of delayed justice and ultimate liberation.

Celebrations began in Texas as early as 1866, often centered around churches and community gatherings. Over time, Juneteenth grew to include parades, food festivals, and reflections on African American history and culture. In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, making it the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983. Today, Juneteenth serves as a time to honor the resilience of those who endured slavery and to reflect on the ongoing journey toward equality.