Juneteenth 2024: From history, significance to special events - All you need to know
Juneteenth holiday
Juneteenth, which was declared a federal holiday in 2021, honours the Civil War-era abolition of slavery in the United States. As the name suggests, it falls on June 19 every year. Many Black communities have held the Juneteenth celebration in high regard for over 150 years.
It commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned they had been emancipated, two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
After becoming a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth is now celebrated more widely outside of Black America. A lot of people get the day off from work or school, and there are lots of fairs, concerts, street festivals, and other activities.
How is Juneteenth celebrated?
Gatherings and barbeques are the foundation of Juneteenth celebrations. In the early days of the festival known as Black Americans' actual Independence Day, the outdoors allowed for massive reunions of previously enslaved family members, many of whom had been separated.
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The White House got things started early last week with a Juneteenth and Black Music Month event on the South Lawn. Known performers from rap, jazz, gospel, and other genres including singers Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle were in the lineup. The first Black vice president, Kamala Harris, danced on stage with gospel musician Kirk Franklin.
“Today as we celebrate Juneteenth, together we are reminded of the promise of America. A promise of freedom, liberty and opportunity, not for some but for all. In many ways the story of Juneteenth and our nation is a story of our ongoing fight to realize that promise,” Harris said in opening remarks.
Are there any public Juneteenth events going on around the country?
If you search online, you'll find a plethora of events in suburbs and big cities, all with different vibes. Certain events are more akin to carnivals, with food trucks, handicrafts, and parades. Concerts and fashion displays are another way to celebrate Black creativity and excellence.
Are there special food offered on Juneteenth?
For years, the colour red has been a staple of Juneteenth cuisine, aside from barbecue. Red represents the sacrifice and bloodshed of ancestors who were held as slaves. Red velvet cake, watermelon, and barbecued ribs or other red meat could feature on a Juneteenth menu.
(With inputs from agencies)
