Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, is observed annually on June 19th to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans in the United States. It became a federal holiday in 2021, following nationwide protests in 2020 over racial injustice.
Juneteenth traces its origins to June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of slavery, two months after the Confederate states surrendered in the Civil War. This announcement came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. Initially a Texas state holiday since 1980, Juneteenth has since been recognized by at least 28 states and the District of Columbia.
ALSO READ: Bihar Police uncover 6 post-dated cheques in NEET-UG paper leak investigation
While Juneteenth is a day of celebration, it is also observed solemnly to honor the hardships endured by those who suffered under slavery. It serves as a reminder of the 400-year history of slavery in America, beginning with the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in the colonies.
In 2023, Connecticut, Minnesota, Nevada, and Tennessee made Juneteenth a permanent public holiday, highlighting its growing significance nationwide. However, not all states observe it as a holiday for state employees, necessitating legislative action to establish it formally.
ALSO READ: NEET 2024 results controversy: Chandigarh students concerned over losing GMCH-32 seats
Juneteenth celebrations in 2024 include festive meals, music, gatherings, parades, and marches, often organized to promote civil rights and honor African American heritage. Concurrently, some events emphasize the ongoing racial inequalities stemming from slavery's legacy and structural racism. Recent tensions over Black history education in public schools and the Supreme Court's rulings on affirmative action underscore enduring challenges related to race in America.
Juneteenth continues to evolve as a pivotal day in American history, commemorating freedom while fostering reflection on the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Its federal recognition marks a significant step in acknowledging and celebrating African American heritage and contributions to American society.
Copyright © © 2022 Copyright. All Rights Reserved with Arth Parkash