What year was Juneteenth made a federal holiday? The answer is 2021. This significant milestone in American history marks the official recognition of Juneteenth as a national holiday, celebrating the end of slavery in the United States.
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the abolition of slavery. This event came two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln.
The journey to making Juneteenth a federal holiday has been a long and arduous one. It took more than a century for this day to gain the recognition it deserves. In 1865, when the news of freedom reached the enslaved people in Texas, they celebrated with a joyous dance, song, and prayer. However, it wasn’t until 1956 that Juneteenth was recognized as a state holiday in Texas. Since then, other states followed suit, and today, 47 states recognize Juneteenth as a holiday.
The push for Juneteenth to become a federal holiday gained momentum in recent years, especially after the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and many others at the hands of police officers. The Black Lives Matter movement brought attention to the ongoing struggles faced by African Americans and highlighted the need for a national holiday to honor the contributions and resilience of Black people in the United States.
In June 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill that made Juneteenth a federal holiday, effective from 2022. This decision was met with widespread support and celebration, as it signifies a major step towards acknowledging the history and struggles of African Americans in the United States.
The recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday is not just a celebration of freedom; it is also a reminder of the ongoing fight for racial equality and justice. As Americans, it is crucial to learn from the past and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society. Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the African American community, and it is a day to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that still lie ahead.
