What is Juneteenth and why is it important?

Juneteenth, or “Freedom Day” is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. This holiday is considered the “longest running African-American holiday” and has been called “America’s second Independence Day.” It was on June 19, 1865 that Union soldiers, led by Maj. Gen.

What is the main purpose of Juneteenth?

Juneteenth celebrates the freedom of enslaved people at the end of the U.S. Civil War, as depicted here by illustrator Thomas Nast. Long observed by African American communities, it is the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was designated in 1983.

What is Juneteenth and why do we celebrate it?

Juneteenth is a special celebration on June 19th that commemorates the end of the United States’ historic practice of slavery. In this sense, Juneteenth is a day for honoring the “freedom” of all people living in the United States.

What is the true meaning of Juneteenth?

What is Juneteenth? Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It is also called Emancipation Day or Juneteenth Independence Day. The name “Juneteenth” references the date of the holiday, combining the words “June” and “nineteenth.”

Which states do not recognize Juneteenth?

According to the Congressional Research Service, a government body that provides research to inform lawmakers, South Dakota is the only US state that does not have a law to mark the celebration of Juneteenth. The most recent states to add a law recognizing the holiday are Hawaii and North Dakota.

Is it OK to say Happy Juneteenth?

Just say ‘Happy Juneteenth! ‘ The easiest way to wish someone a Happy Juneteenth is by messaging them and wishing them a fulfilled day. Similar to Black History Month, and other important anniversaries to Black Americans, it is important to acknowledge it as an American holiday, even if you do not celebrate it.

Is Juneteenth the end of slavery?

How do you explain Juneteenth to a child?

With a proclamation. From the executive of the United. States.

What was the last state to have slaves?

West Virginia became the 35th state on June 20, 1863, and the last slave state admitted to the Union.

When did Juneteenth become a big deal?

Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as “Juneteenth,” by the newly freed people in Texas.

What states recognize Juneteenth?

Only six states — Texas, Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, Washington and Oregon — have made Juneteenth an official state holiday, meaning state workers get a paid day off.

What does the zigzag shape around the star on the Juneteenth flag mean?

The bursting outline around the star is inspired by a nova, a term that astronomers use to mean a new star. On the Juneteenth flag, this represents a new beginning for the African Americans of Galveston and throughout the land.