Juneteenth: A Living Legacy That America Must Celebrate Now

Every June 19th, communities across the United States gather to celebrate Juneteenth—a commemoration not just of delayed freedom, but of Black resilience, joy, and the ongoing struggle for justice. But what exactly is Juneteenth, and why does it hold such deep importance today?

The History Behind the Holiday

On June 19, 1865, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3: all enslaved people were now free. Texas, the most remote Confederate state, had largely ignored Lincoln’s 1863 order, and over 250,000 enslaved Black Americans remained in bondage until that day.

The following year, newly freed Black Texans organized the first Jubilee Day—a celebration filled with prayer, food, music, and community unity. That day grew into a tradition passed down through generations, becoming a cornerstone of African American cultural pride.

From Regional Observance to National Holiday

Though it originated in Texas, Juneteenth traveled with Black families across the country during the Great Migration and became a symbol of Black freedom and resistance during the Civil Rights era. Texas officially declared Juneteenth a state holiday in 1980, but national momentum surged in the 21st century.

On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, making it a federal holiday—America’s first since the creation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.

Why Juneteenth Matters More Than Ever

Juneteenth is not simply a day off. It’s a reminder that while the Emancipation Proclamation promised freedom in 1863, justice was delayed by more than two years for hundreds of thousands of people. It’s a holiday rooted in truth—and in the ongoing movement toward a more inclusive understanding of liberty.

• It tells the full American story—including the parts often left out of school textbooks.

• It celebrates survival and sovereignty, honoring generations of Black Americans who created beauty, culture, and joy in the face of oppression.

• It fuels future change, connecting past injustices to today’s calls for equity in education, healthcare, housing, and justice.

  
  

Responding to the Critics: Why Juneteenth Still Deserves Celebration

Despite its recognition, Juneteenth has faced criticism from some who misunderstand or oppose its broader cultural meaning. Let’s take a closer look at the critiques—and how supporters meaningfully respond:

“We already have Independence Day—why do we need another?”

The Fourth of July commemorates 1776—but not everyone was free in 1776. Juneteenth completes that celebration by honoring those whose freedom was deferred.

Supporters respond:   Freedom that excludes some is not true freedom at all. Juneteenth centers the lived experience of Black Americans whose liberty came years later, and through struggle.

“It’s being politicized and turned into a racial holiday.”

Some claim Juneteenth is used to push a divisive political agenda.

Supporters respond:   Juneteenth began with freedmen in Texas in 1866, long before modern politics. It's not about exclusion—it’s about recognition.

“It’s just a trendy holiday now—corporations are cashing in.”

There's valid concern about commercialization overshadowing meaning.

Supporters respond:   Cultural authenticity matters. That’s why so many communities are reclaiming Juneteenth with intentionality—through educational forums, community meals, honoring elders, and economic empowerment of Black-owned businesses. The soul of Juneteenth remains strong, because the people protect it.

How to Honor Juneteenth in a Meaningful Way

• Attend community events and cultural celebrations.

• Support Black-owned businesses and artists.

• Host or attend a reading of General Order No. 3.

• Share stories of ancestors and elders.

• Engage in conversations about Black history, justice, and equality.

  
  

A Celebration of Truth, Triumph, and Tomorrow

Juneteenth isn’t a new idea—it’s a long-held tradition, rising into national recognition because the time to confront history truthfully is always now.

To celebrate Juneteenth is to celebrate the unfinished promise of America. It’s a call to remember that the journey toward justice takes courage, unity, and honesty—and it’s a holiday born from all three.

“None of us are free until we’re all free.” – Opal Lee, activist and “Grandmother of Juneteenth”

References

Congress.gov. . (2021). S.475 - Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/475

National Museum of African American History and Culture. (n.d.). Juneteenth: A celebration of resilience. Smithsonian Institution. https://nmaahc.si.edu/juneteenth

Roberts, J. D. (2020, June 18). What is Juneteenth? The history behind the oldest national commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2020/06/18/879049612/what-is-juneteenth

Taylor, K.-Y. (2016). From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation. Haymarket Books.