What's Juneteenth?

 U.S. History 

Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Deriving its name from combining "June" and "nineteenth", it is celebrated on the anniversary of General Order No. 3, issued by Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, proclaiming freedom for enslave people in Texas. Originating in Galveston, Juneteenth has since been observed annually in various parts of the United States. 

The holiday was recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law after the efforts of Lula Briggs Galloway, Opal Lee, and others.

More information:  What Is Juneteenth? | HISTORY