Juneteenth Officially Recognized as Federal Holiday
Historical Significance of Emancipation
Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, and Black Independence Day, has gained significant recognition as a federal holiday in the United States.
Commemorating the End of Slavery
Established on June 19, Juneteenth marks the anniversary of the announcement of General Order No. 3, which declared the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas in 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Historical Roots
Juneteenth originated in Galveston, Texas, where enslaved people first learned about their freedom. The holiday pays tribute to the resilience and determination of those who fought for their liberation.
National Recognition
In recent years, the movement to establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday gained momentum. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed legislation into law, making Juneteenth the eleventh federally recognized holiday.
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