Juneteenth Signifies the enactment of the emancipation proclamation of enslaved people in the United States. Although the Emancipation proclamation was signed in 1863, it was not fully enforced in the south until 1865. The enforcement reached Texas on June 19th, 1865, nearly two and half years after the presidential order was enacted. This marked the day Juneteenth, and the name Juneteenth comes from a merging of June and 19th. 

 

Juneteenth celebrations have evolved and expanded over their 156 year history. From its origin in Galveston, Texas, to statewide recognition in 1979, and national celebrations, Juneteenth has been a moment of commemoration for African Americans and Black Americans. As of June 2021, Juneteenth is now recognized as an official federal holiday! It’s the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established back in 1983.

 

The Juneteenth Flag was created by Ben Haith, in 1997.

 

 

How can you celebrate?

Juneteenth is observed in various ways by the Black Community with cookouts and soul food spreads including barbeque ribs and Red Velvet cake to parades and concerts. Junteenth is a celebration of Black culture. You too can take part and observe the holiday by celebrating black culture through art, history and supporting black owned businesses. Check out a film that honors the Black experience, read a book by a Black author, spend the day at a Black history museum, and support Black-owned businesses

 

Juneteenth truly is a celebration of Black liberation and signifies the day that ALL people of the United States were free!

 

Smithsonian: National Museum of African American History and Culture Photo by: NMAAHC

 

9 Black-Owned Brands and Businesses You Can Support This Juneteenth:

Must Try Restaurants and Food Brands: 

By: Snellac Custom Cakes

Home and Kitchen Finds:

Beauty and Style Moments:

 

Sources:https://juneteenth.com