Juneteenth, officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated annually on June 19. It commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S., specifically marking June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and enforced the Emancipation Proclamation, informing the last enslaved African Americans in the state that they were free
. Although President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1863, it was not enforced in Texas until over two years later due to the state's remoteness and Confederate control. Juneteenth symbolizes the delayed but eventual liberation of enslaved people and is often regarded as the true end of slavery in the United States
. The holiday celebrates African American freedom, culture, and empowerment, often with festivals, parades, church services, and educational events. It also serves as a time for reflection on the sacrifices made for civil rights and ongoing racial inequalities. Juneteenth has grown in recognition, becoming a federal holiday in 2021 after decades of state-level observances and increased national awareness, especially following movements like Black Lives Matter
. In essence, Juneteenth is both a celebration of emancipation and a reminder of the continuing struggle for racial justice and equality in America
