How the holiday came about:
The first celebrations began as early as 1866 in Texas and quickly spread to other African American communities across the country.

People celebrated the day with:

1) prayers and Bible readings;

2) picnics and barbecues;

3) musical and cultural events;

4) stories about family and folk history.

Juneteenth today
Until recently, Juneteenth was celebrated mainly at the state and community level. But in 2021, it was officially recognized as a federal holiday in the United States, the first new federal holiday since 1983 (when Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established).

Today, Juneteenth is celebrated across the country. Major cities host parades, festivals, educational events, and concerts. But the day is not only a reason to celebrate, it is also an opportunity to reflect on systemic inequality, racism, and the importance of historical memory.

Why Juneteenth is important for everyone:
While the holiday grew out of a specific historical event, its message is universal.

Juneteenth reminds us of:

1)the importance of freedom and justice;

2) the need to combat discrimination;

3) the value of remembrance and acknowledgment of the past, no matter how difficult it may be.