On June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans in Texas were told they were free. A century and a half later, people across the United States continue to celebrate this historic day as Juneteenth. It marks the end of slavery in the United States and is a time for reflection, education, and celebration of Black culture.
A delicious celebration of Black culture is planned with the inaugural Taste of Juneteenth New England, set for Wednesday, June 19, where attendees can enjoy food, music, and art while honoring the significance of the day.
But Alabama state employees would have to choose between taking Juneteenth off or Jefferson Davis' Birthday, showcasing the ongoing challenges and complexities surrounding the recognition of Juneteenth as a holiday.
In 2020, a group of activists successfully coordinated Juneteenth events across the city of Greensboro and helped officially establish June 19 as a holiday, showcasing the grassroots efforts to promote awareness and celebration of Juneteenth.
State employees must choose between taking the day off for Juneteenth or for Jefferson Davis' Birthday, highlighting the need for greater recognition and understanding of the historical significance of Juneteenth.
Juneteenth is the nation's youngest federal holiday, recognized in 2021 by President Joe Biden. But the day has long been a special holiday with deep cultural and historical roots in the African American community.
In 1980, Texas became the first state in the United States to recognize Juneteenth as an official state holiday, setting the stage for other states to follow suit and officially recognize the day as a time of remembrance and celebration.
This year, at least 28 states and the District of Columbia will legally recognize Juneteenth as a public holiday, marking a significant step forward in acknowledging the importance of Juneteenth in American history and culture.
Confederate Memorial Day in SC takes place on Friday, May 10, sparking controversy and heated discussion across the state, underscoring the ongoing tensions surrounding the legacy of slavery and the Civil War in the United States.
