Juneteenth is a significant holiday in the United States, officially commemorated on June 19th each year. It celebrates the end of slavery in the U.S., specifically marking the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that all enslaved people were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863.

Key points about Juneteenth:

• Historical significance: It symbolizes freedom, resilience, and the long struggle for civil rights.

• Celebrations: Many communities observe it with parades, family gatherings, music, storytelling, and educational events. Traditional foods like barbecue and red drinks (symbolizing resilience) are common.

• Federal recognition: Juneteenth became a U.S. federal holiday in 2021.

• Meaning: Beyond marking emancipation, it’s a day for reflecting on African American history, culture, and ongoing efforts toward equality.