What is Juneteenth?
On June 19, our YMCA celebrates Juneteenth, Freedom Day! Juneteenth is the oldest nationally-celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on January 1, 1863, it took two and a half years for the slaves in the state of Texas to hear of their freedom. Juneteenth is the celebration of the day in the United States when all enslaved individuals became aware of their freedom.
Although Juneteenth has been considered a Texas holiday, it has slowly gained recognition across the country. Today, many communities organize local Juneteenth celebrations which include the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, singing traditional songs, prayer, participating in cookouts, picnics, street fares, parades, brass bands, and rodeos – all to commemorate and honor slaves of that time, and their descendants.
Learn More about Juneteenth History
- Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture: “The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth”
- Youth-focused videos from BrainPOP and Kid History
- Vox: “Why all Americans should honor Juneteenth”
- PBS: “What is Juneteenth? 4 things you should know”
- New York Times, The Daily podcast: “The History and Meaning of Juneteenth”