The Ultimate Guide on Juneteenth

Juneteenth is more than just a date on the calendar—it is a deeply meaningful and powerful symbol of liberation, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for equality in America. Rooted in the historical fight against slavery, Juneteenth marks a pivotal moment in United States history and has evolved into a day of celebration, reflection, and cultural pride. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Juneteenth: its origins, significance, traditions, and the ways in which it continues to shape the American consciousness today.

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What Is Juneteenth? Everything You Need to Know

Juneteenth, a blend of the words June and nineteenth, commemorates June 19, 1865—the day Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3. This order informed the enslaved African Americans in Texas that they were free, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation.

While the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect on January 1, 1863, its enforcement relied heavily on the advance of Union troops. Texas, being one of the most remote slave-holding states with a relatively low presence of Union soldiers, became a final stronghold where slavery persisted even after the proclamation. The arrival of Union forces in Galveston marked the true beginning of freedom for more than 250,000 enslaved individuals in the state.

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The Historical Context of Juneteenth

Understanding Juneteenth requires grasping the broader context of slavery and the Civil War in the United States. Slavery was foundational to the American economy, particularly in the South. Enslaved Africans and their descendants were exploited for labor and deprived of their most basic human rights for centuries.

The American Civil War (1861–1865) was fought largely over the issue of slavery. President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was both a moral and military strategy aimed at weakening the Confederacy. However, it did not immediately free all enslaved people, especially in areas still under Confederate control.

When Granger arrived in Galveston, he declared:

"The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free."

This announcement came two months after the official end of the Civil War and more than two years after the proclamation was signed. For those who had remained enslaved in Texas, it was the first time they learned of their freedom.

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The Immediate Aftermath: Did Slavery End with Juneteenth

The reaction to Granger’s announcement was mixed. While many formerly enslaved people rejoiced, their freedom was met with resistance from former slaveholders. In many cases, enslavers withheld the news, delaying the transition to freedom as long as possible. Some were forced to remain working under oppressive conditions even after being legally freed.

Despite these challenges, the announcement sparked a migration known as the "Exodus." Freedmen and women left plantations in droves, seeking family members, new opportunities, and lives beyond the shadow of bondage. This moment was not only one of liberation but of reinvention—an assertion of dignity and identity.

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Early Celebrations of Juneteenth

The first Juneteenth celebrations began in 1866, just one year after the historic day. Freed people in Texas organized parades, prayer meetings, and educational events. These gatherings often featured music, barbecues, readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, and remembrances of those who had suffered or died under slavery.

Over time, Juneteenth celebrations became a cultural tradition passed down through generations. Black churches played a central role in organizing events, while community leaders used the occasion to foster unity and raise political consciousness.

As Black communities faced the rise of Jim Crow laws, lynchings, and systemic racism, Juneteenth served as a moment of reflection and resilience. It was both a commemoration of freedom and a call to action for the rights still being denied.

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Juneteenth’s National Expansion and Recognition

While Juneteenth began in Texas, it slowly spread across the United States as Black families moved north and west during the Great Migration. Despite the growing importance of the day within African American communities, it remained largely unrecognized by mainstream American society for over a century.

Efforts to gain broader recognition of Juneteenth gained momentum in the latter half of the 20th century. Texas made Juneteenth an official state holiday in 1980, the first state to do so. Over the following decades, more states followed suit.

The modern resurgence of Juneteenth was fueled by grassroots organizing, historical education, and social activism. The Black Lives Matter movement, particularly after the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor in 2020, brought heightened attention to the holiday. Calls for racial justice reignited interest in honoring Black history and acknowledging the legacy of slavery.

In a historic move, President Joe Biden signed legislation on June 17, 2021, making Juneteenth a federal holiday. It became the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983.

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How Juneteenth Is Celebrated Today: Is "Happy Juneteenth" A Correct Greeting?

Modern Juneteenth celebrations are as diverse as the communities that observe it. While the core themes of freedom, remembrance, and empowerment remain, today’s observances can range from solemn reflections to vibrant festivals. Here are some common ways Juneteenth is honored:

1. Parades and Festivals

Cities across the country host parades featuring marching bands, dancers, local organizations, and floats adorned with African and African American symbols. These events often include food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities.

2. Educational Events

Juneteenth is an opportunity to educate people about Black history, the legacy of slavery, and ongoing racial injustices. Schools, museums, libraries, and community centers may host lectures, film screenings, or panel discussions.

3. Prayer and Remembrance

Churches and faith-based communities often hold special services or vigils to honor ancestors and those who fought for freedom. These gatherings may include readings of the Emancipation Proclamation or testimonies from elders.

4. Artistic Expression

Art plays a central role in Juneteenth celebrations. From spoken word performances to theatrical reenactments, artists use the day to tell stories of struggle and triumph. Visual art installations and cultural exhibitions often focus on African heritage and Black excellence.

5. Community Service

Juneteenth also inspires acts of service. Some communities use the day to engage in volunteer work, such as organizing food drives, supporting local Black-owned businesses, or participating in neighborhood cleanups.

6. Family Gatherings and Cookouts

Barbecues, family reunions, and backyard parties are common features of Juneteenth. These gatherings provide a space for generations to connect, share stories, and pass on traditions.

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Symbols and Traditions of Juneteenth

Several symbols and traditions have become associated with Juneteenth, each rich with cultural meaning:

The Juneteenth Flag

Designed in 1997 by activist Ben Haith and later revised, the Juneteenth flag features a red, white, and blue color scheme—representing that enslaved people and their descendants are Americans. The bursting star in the center symbolizes a new beginning and freedom finally coming to Texas.

Red Foods

Red holds significance in many West African cultures and has been embraced in Juneteenth celebrations. Red foods like red velvet cake, strawberry soda, watermelon, and barbecue are staples at many events, symbolizing resilience and the bloodshed of ancestors.

Attire

Many attendees wear Afrocentric clothing, Pan-African colors (red, black, and green), or shirts bearing empowering messages and images of Black leaders. This attire reflects pride in cultural heritage and collective identity.

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Why Juneteenth Matters Today

Juneteenth is not just about history—it is about ongoing struggle and the vision for a better future. It reminds us that freedom is not a single moment, but a continuous process. The delayed emancipation in Texas reflects broader themes of systemic delay and denial that continue to affect African Americans today.

Juneteenth shines a light on the need for:

• Racial justice and equity

• Accurate historical education

• Reparative policies

• Civic engagement

• Cultural celebration and affirmation

By recognizing Juneteenth, Americans confront the legacy of slavery and honor the enduring spirit of a people who, despite centuries of oppression, have created profound contributions to every facet of American life.

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Juneteenth vs. Independence Day

An important aspect of Juneteenth is its relationship to the Fourth of July. While July 4, 1776, marks American independence from British rule, it did not bring freedom for enslaved Africans. Frederick Douglass famously asked in 1852, “What, to the American slave, is your Fourth of July?” His question highlighted the hypocrisy of celebrating liberty in a nation that denied freedom to millions.

Juneteenth provides a more inclusive narrative of American freedom—one that recognizes the contradictions of the past and the necessity of full emancipation for all. For many African Americans, Juneteenth is the true Independence Day.

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Looking Ahead: The Future of Juneteenth

With its designation as a federal holiday, Juneteenth stands poised to take a more prominent role in national consciousness. But the way it is honored matters. Commercializing the day or reducing it to a feel-good gesture risks stripping it of its radical roots and profound purpose.

The future of Juneteenth depends on:

• Committing to authentic education about slavery, reconstruction, and systemic racism.

• Supporting Black-led organizations that address disparities in education, housing, healthcare, and criminal justice.

• Centering Black voices in policymaking, media, and culture.

• Fostering unity while acknowledging historical trauma and systemic barriers.

Juneteenth is a call to remember, to celebrate, and to act. It is a time to honor the past while investing in a just and equitable future.

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Conclusion: Juneteenth Celebration of Liberation and a Catalyst for Change

Juneteenth is a living, breathing testament to the endurance of a people and the power of truth. It is a moment of celebration—but not complacency. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go.

As the nation continues to grapple with its past and strive toward a more inclusive future, Juneteenth offers a beacon—a chance to reflect, to rejoice, and to recommit to the ideals of freedom and justice for all. Whether you're learning about the holiday for the first time or have celebrated it your whole life, Juneteenth is an invitation to stand on the shoulders of giants and move boldly toward a brighter tomorrow.

Let us not only mark the date but carry its spirit forward every day of the year.

Lateef Warnick is the founder of Onassis Krown. He currently serves as a Senior Healthcare Consultant in the Jacksonville FL area and is a Certified Life Coach, Marriage Counselor, Keynote Speaker and Author of "Know Thyself," "The Golden Egg" and "Wear Your Krown." He is also a former Naval Officer, Licensed Financial Advisor, Insurance Agent, Realtor, Serial Entrepreneur, musical artist A.L.I.A.S., and Travel Partner #20735937284 for discounted & free vacations!