The Shadow
ALLEGHANY COUNTY, Va. (VR) – On June 19, the United States will again commemorate Juneteenth, a pivotal holiday and one that celebrates the end of slavery and honors African American history, culture, and the ongoing struggle for equality.
Juneteenth, a combination of the month “June” and day of the month “19th,” traces its origins to June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers led by Major Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the emancipation of approximately 250,000 enslaved people. More than two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation abolished the horrid practice in Confederate states.
The holiday, now a federal observance since presidential declaration in 2021, represents a profound moment of liberation and resilience in American history. Major General Gordon Granger’s General Order Number 3 declared all slaves in Texas free, triggering spontaneous celebrations that would evolve into an annual commemoration of freedom.
Initially celebrated primarily in Texas, Juneteenth spread across the United States as African Americans migrated and shared their celebratory traditions. Early observances featured prayer meetings, spiritual singing, and wearing new clothes symbolizing newfound freedom.
“Juneteenth marks both a long, hard night of slavery and subjugation and a promise of a brighter morning to come,” President Joe Biden said during the holiday’s federal recognition ceremony.
The holiday’s significance extends beyond historical remembrance. It has been a powerful platform for addressing systemic racism and promoting social justice, particularly during pivotal moments like the Civil Rights Movement and the racial reckonings following George Floyd’s tragic murder in 2020.
Typical Juneteenth celebrations include parades, educational events, musical performances, and family gatherings. A cultural tradition of the celebration involves consuming red foods and drinks, symbolizing the blood shed during slavery and honoring ancestral strength.
Opal Lee, known as the “grandmother of Juneteenth,” was instrumental in the holiday’s national recognition. Her decades-long advocacy resulted in the federal holiday designation, transforming what was a regional commemoration into a nationwide reflection on America’s complex history. Modern Juneteenth observances blend historical remembrance with contemporary activism.
Institutions, from universities to corporations, now recognize the day as an opportunity to discuss racial equity, systemic inequalities, and paths toward reconciliation. As the United States continues to grapple with its legacy of slavery and racial injustice, Juneteenth stands as a powerful reminder of progress achieved and challenges remaining. This year’s celebrations will occur on Thursday, June 19, 2025, with events planned in cities nationwide, continuing a tradition of remembrance, resilience, and hope.
