Juneteenth recognizes our country’s second independence day. It has long been celebrated in the African American community, but remains unknown to many Americans.

A very short explanation goes: although the Emancipation Proclamation of June 1, 1863 declared all enslaved people free—in some areas of the country it didn’t become reality until June 19, 1865 when army troops decreed that all enslaved people were free.

“Juneteenth” is the name these newly-freed people gave the day. On June 16, 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday in the United States. It previously became a state holiday in Texas in 1980, followed by a number of other states declaring it a state holiday.

This June 19th, we’ll be toasting the expansion of human freedom, and wishing our neighbors who celebrate Juneteenth a safe and joyous holiday.

Learn more about the history of Juneteenth:

Brittanica - “History, Meaning, Flag, Importance, & Facts”

Smithsonian - National Museum of African American History & Culture - “The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth”