why do we celebrate juneteenth

Juneteenth is celebrated to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. It marks June 19, 1865, the day when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. The delay in notification was because enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation depended on Union military presence, and Texas was the last Confederate state where slavery persisted until the Union troops arrived. Juneteenth is often called Freedom Day or Emancipation Day and is seen by many African Americans as their "Independence Day," symbolizing liberation from slavery. The holiday began with celebrations in Texas in 1866 with prayer meetings, singing spirituals, and wearing new clothes to represent newfound freedom. Over time, it spread to other states and communities, gaining wider recognition. In 1980, Texas was the first state to make it a state holiday, and in 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday in the United States. The celebration highlights Black history, culture, pride, and accomplishments, often featuring BBQs, musical performances, storytelling, and commemorations of African American resilience and achievements. It also serves to remember the ongoing struggles and the broader history of the transatlantic slave trade and the fight for liberation across the African diaspora.