Juneteenth, also known as&nbsp;Juneteenth National Independence Day, is observed on June 19 in the United States to commemorate the end of slavery. Last year, US President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, establishing it as a national holiday.&nbsp;The word Juneteenth originated from the words "June" and "nineteenth."&nbsp;The holiday is also called "Juneteenth Independence Day," "Freedom Day" or "Emancipation Day."

The US state of Texas became the state to identify this day as a state holiday in 1980, which later became a national holiday.

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How did Juneteenth begin?

This began during the American Civil War when then-president Abraham Lincoln, in 1863, issued the "Emancipation Proclamation," freeing over three million slaves in the country. The act of liberation came months after the northern US states defeated the slave-owning South in the American Civil War. Finally, on June 19, 1865, the enslaved African-Americans in Texas and Galveston were told they were free.

Every state since then formally recognised Juneteenth as a state or ceremonial holiday except South Dakota.&nbsp;

Even former US president Barack Obama co-sponsored legislation to make it a national holiday, however, the law never passed even after he became the president.&nbsp;

The legislation gained momentum after the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. On 19 June 2021, both US chambers of Congress moved swiftly to pass the bill along with the signature of President Joe Biden, leading it to become a bill.&nbsp;

How is Juneteenth celebrated in the US?

The Juneteenth celebration and traditions vary across the country. In some states, parades are organised, and people gather together, make food and play games together.&nbsp;

Even public readings, singing, picnics and church services are also organised.&nbsp;

Food plays an important role, with barbecues being one of the most popular ways of marking the day with family and friends.&nbsp;

The most famous dish of celebration is called "The Marcus Garvet salad," made with red, green and black beans, and named after the black activist.

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Why is it important?

Being the first federal holiday since 1983 after Martin Luther King Jr Day was established, the day became important as despite ending slavery, racism in the US still continues.

The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and other African Americans at the hands of police have spurred anti-racism protests in recent years.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, is observed on June 19 in the United States to commemorate the end of slavery. Last year, US President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, establishing it as a national holiday.

Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, is observed on June 19 in the United States to commemorate the end of slavery. Last year, US President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, establishing it as a national holiday. The word Juneteenth originated from the words "June" and "nineteenth." The holiday is also called "Juneteenth Independence Day," "Freedom Day" or "Emancipation Day." The US state of Texas became the state to identify this day as a state holiday in 1980, which later became a national holiday. Also read | PM Modi's ‘historic visit’ will solidify India-US relationship, says Antony Blinken How did Juneteenth begin? This began during the American Civil War when then-president Abraham Lincoln, in 1863, issued the "Emancipation Proclamation," freeing over three million slaves in the country. The act of liberation came months after the northern US states defeated the slave-owning South in the American Civil War. Finally, on June 19, 1865, the enslaved African-Americans in Texas and Galveston were told they were free. Every state since then formally recognised Juneteenth as a state or ceremonial holiday except South Dakota. Even former US president Barack Obama co-sponsored legislation to make it a national holiday, however, the law never passed even after he became the president. The legislation gained momentum after the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. On 19 June 2021, both US chambers of Congress moved swiftly to pass the bill along with the signature of President Joe Biden, leading it to become a bill. How is Juneteenth celebrated in the US? The Juneteenth celebration and traditions vary across the country. In some states, parades are organised, and people gather together, make food and play games together. Even public readings, singing, picnics and church services are also organised. Food plays an important role, with barbecues being one of the most popular ways of marking the day with family and friends. The most famous dish of celebration is called "The Marcus Garvet salad," made with red, green and black beans, and named after the black activist. Also read | 22 US troops injured in Syria helicopter mishap, says Washington Why is it important? Being the first federal holiday since 1983 after Martin Luther King Jr Day was established, the day became important as despite ending slavery, racism in the US still continues. The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and other African Americans at the hands of police have spurred anti-racism protests in recent years. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Juneteenth 2023:  What is it and why is it celebrated in the United States?

California renames 'Negro Bar' park as African American community commemorates Juneteenth

Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, is annually observed on June 19 to commemorate the day when the Confederate states, in 1865, surrendered to end the Civil War and African-Americans were informed about their long-due freedom.

The day is observed to salute and pay respects to thousands of African-Americans who were held captive and enslaved nearly 400 years ago.

<h3>Declaration of freedom</h3>

On January 01, 1863, the then US President&nbsp;Abraham Lincoln issued an Emancipation Proclamation that stated that anyone and everyone held as slaves in the states "henceforward shall be free". However, many torturers did not disclose this announcement to their African-American slaves and continued employing them in inhumane conditions.

Later, on June 19, 1865, Major general Gordon Granger reached Galveston to make the slaves aware of the end of the Civil War and announce their freedom from their slavery days.

"The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property, between former masters and slaves and the connection heretofore existing between them, becomes that between employer and hired labor. The Freedmen are advised to remain at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts; and they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere," Granger said in his announcement in 1865, as per records made available by the Congressional Research Service.

From 1866, the African-American community started annual celebrations around the date, and that is when the term 'Juneteenth' (a portmanteau of June and nineteenth) was coined. People started organising cookouts, musical performances, cultural gatherings, prayer meetings, reading sessions and much more.

Slowly, as time progressed, the community grew stronger and people started hosting demonstrations and rallies with the aim to raise awareness about the discrimination the African-American communities face around the world, especially in the US.

<h3>Black Lives Matter</h3>

The movement, which was already popular in the US, grew manifolds and became more public last year after the death of an African-American man, George Floyd. In 2020, people took to streets to protest against the rising violence, discrimination and police brutality against the community that has led to deaths of several African-Americans in the US, France and several other countries all around the world.

Last year, under the rule of former US President Donald Trump, the legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday was blocked by the Senate, as the Republican Ron Johnson claimed another federal holiday would result in taxpayers paying millions of dollars to give federal government employees an additional holiday.

This roadblock did not come as a surprise under the administration whose leader was infamously accused several times of being a racist white man.

<h3>What’s so special this year?</h3>

This year, the day holds a special meaning as US President Joe Biden signed legislation marking a new holiday for June 19. Describing it as one of the greatest honours he has had, he signed the legislation to make June 19 the 12th federal holiday of the US.

Up till now, Juneteenth was celebrated as a holiday in 47 states and the District of Columbia. It is a paid holiday in Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington state, and now in Ohio.

In addition to the government, several private companies such as JP Morgan, Stanley Black &amp; Decker, Airbnb and a few others have decided to give a floating off, a holiday, or even a paid holiday from 2021 or 2022 to mark Juneteenth and contribute to this wave of change.

Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, is annually observed on June 19 to commemorate the day when the Confederate states, in 1865, surrendered to end the Civil War and African-Americans were informed about their long-due freedom.

Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, is annually observed on June 19 to commemorate the day when the Confederate states, in 1865, surrendered to end the Civil War and African-Americans were informed about their long-due freedom. The day is observed to salute and pay respects to thousands of African-Americans who were held captive and enslaved nearly 400 years ago. Declaration of freedom On January 01, 1863, the then US President Abraham Lincoln issued an Emancipation Proclamation that stated that anyone and everyone held as slaves in the states "henceforward shall be free". However, many torturers did not disclose this announcement to their African-American slaves and continued employing them in inhumane conditions. Later, on June 19, 1865, Major general Gordon Granger reached Galveston to make the slaves aware of the end of the Civil War and announce their freedom from their slavery days. "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property, between former masters and slaves and the connection heretofore existing between them, becomes that between employer and hired labor. The Freedmen are advised to remain at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts; and they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere," Granger said in his announcement in 1865, as per records made available by the Congressional Research Service. From 1866, the African-American community started annual celebrations around the date, and that is when the term 'Juneteenth' (a portmanteau of June and nineteenth) was coined. People started organising cookouts, musical performances, cultural gatherings, prayer meetings, reading sessions and much more. Slowly, as time progressed, the community grew stronger and people started hosting demonstrations and rallies with the aim to raise awareness about the discrimination the African-American communities face around the world, especially in the US. Black Lives Matter The movement, which was already popular in the US, grew manifolds and became more public last year after the death of an African-American man, George Floyd. In 2020, people took to streets to protest against the rising violence, discrimination and police brutality against the community that has led to deaths of several African-Americans in the US, France and several other countries all around the world. Last year, under the rule of former US President Donald Trump, the legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday was blocked by the Senate, as the Republican Ron Johnson claimed another federal holiday would result in taxpayers paying millions of dollars to give federal government employees an additional holiday. This roadblock did not come as a surprise under the administration whose leader was infamously accused several times of being a racist white man. What’s so special this year? This year, the day holds a special meaning as US President Joe Biden signed legislation marking a new holiday for June 19. Describing it as one of the greatest honours he has had, he signed the legislation to make June 19 the 12th federal holiday of the US. Up till now, Juneteenth was celebrated as a holiday in 47 states and the District of Columbia. It is a paid holiday in Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington state, and now in Ohio. In addition to the government, several private companies such as JP Morgan, Stanley Black & Decker, Airbnb and a few others have decided to give a floating off, a holiday, or even a paid holiday from 2021 or 2022 to mark Juneteenth and contribute to this wave of change.

Juneteenth: The African-American community's fight for its rights

Emancipation Day: Juneteenth and its significance in US history