Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom 160 Years After Emancipation

GALVESTON, Texas — This year marks the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the day enslaved people in Galveston learned of their freedom on June 19, 1865. This announcement came two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and the conclusion of the Civil War.

Juneteenth has evolved significantly over the years, gaining federal recognition when President Joe Biden designated it as a national holiday in 2021, extending its importance beyond Black Americans. This year will be the first Juneteenth observed during President Donald Trump’s second term, amid his administration’s push against diversity initiatives and historical representations on federal platforms.

Despite political tensions, many employees expect to celebrate Juneteenth with time off work, and numerous celebrations are planned across the country, including street festivals, fairs, and concerts. “I don’t think anyone should be intimidated or obligated into not celebrating the day,” said Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League. “I’ve not heard of anyone being denied.”

The manner of celebration on Juneteenth varies widely. Traditionally, it has revolved around cookouts and family reunions. This practice symbolizes the true independence for many Black Americans, representing victories over the restrictive “Black Codes” that once governed their lives.

Past celebrations have included performances at the White House, where President Biden hosted events for the holiday. However, details for this year’s White House event were still pending as of now.

For many, Juneteenth is a day of reflection and community service or perhaps an educational panel. “The most important thing everyone should do is be able to quickly answer the question ‘What is Juneteenth?’” Morial emphasized.

Dr. David Anderson, a Black pastor, noted that awareness of Juneteenth is still lacking among some African Americans. “I think many folks haven’t known about it,” Anderson said. “It wasn’t a celebration of history for me.”

The way Juneteenth is observed also varies by region. In the South, festivities may be more prevalent due to the holiday’s historical significance. Nationwide, celebrations range from carnival-style events with food trucks to informative panels on health and community resources.

The National Park Service will offer free entry into all national sites on Juneteenth, enhancing opportunities for education on this significant day. The African Liberation Flag—a red, black, and green banner—has often been displayed during these celebrations. This year, some have opted for the Juneteenth flag created in 1997 to emphasize the holiday’s roots in American history.

Traditional foods play a big part in Juneteenth celebrations. Red foods symbolize the blood and sacrifice of ancestors, commonly featured items include barbecued meats, watermelon, and red velvet cake. However, the commercialization of Juneteenth has led to fewer items being available on store shelves this year.

Dr. Karida Brown, a sociology professor, encourages everyone, regardless of background, to participate in Juneteenth celebrations. “It absolutely is your history,” she remarked. “Isn’t this all of our history?”

Throughout the years, Juneteenth has been recognized by various names, including Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, and Black Fourth of July. Comedian Alan Freeman is planning events in Galveston, continuing the tradition of recognizing the day publicly. “It’s the same way as saying ‘Merry Christmas’ to a stranger,” Freeman added, highlighting the community aspect of the celebration.