Juneteenth, a jubilant celebration of freedom and resilience, holds a significant place in American history and black history. Commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, this national holiday marks the day—June 19th, 1865—when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of slavery, nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued by President Abraham Lincoln.

Juneteenth has been commemorated by African Americans since the late 1800s, particularly in Texas, where it originated as Freedom Day for the last enslaved people. However, its recognition and widespread acknowledgment as a holiday have evolved over time to an annual celebration.