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How Cities Around The Country Are Celebrating Juneteenth

June 15, 2022

This Sunday is Juneteenth, a historically significant event in American history that marks the official end of slavery in the United States. While Juneteenth (which took place on June 19, 1865) is a joyous commemoration, its backstory is a bittersweet one. The day saw federal troops land in Galveston, Texas, where they announced that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. The problem? The news had been made official two years prior, following President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. But enslaved Texans were not made aware until later, on what is now known as Juneteenth.

There are different theories to support the discrepancy, and while there isn't one definitive answer, one thing’s for sure: Juneteenth, aka "Freedom Day" and "Emancipation Day," should be celebrated.

HOW CAN WE COMMEMORATE JUNETEENTH?

On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill into law making Juneteenth a federal holiday. Juneteenth is a day dedicated to educating yourself on Black history. This is especially true for those who don't identify as Black. Non-Black individuals will never be able to fully grasp the Black experience, but taking the time to read, listen and learn is key to becoming a productive ally. The holiday is also reserved for celebrating African-American culture.

Ready to celebrate? Here’s how major cities across the country are celebrating the day. This certainly isn’t an exhaustive list of the celebrations, so to find something near you, check your city’s event calendar. You can also support your favorite local Black-owned businesses on Juneteenth (and every day.)