Juneteenth

 

Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. 

Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday. 

Additional Information

 

The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth-The National Museum of African American History and Culture

What is Juneteenth and Why is it so important- You Tube

Juneteenth- The History of the Holiday- NY Times

Local Juneteenth Events

Your Guide to Juneteenth Celebrations in Greater Philadelphia 2024