Most can agree: recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday was a historic, meaningful step.
This article explores the key details behind Juneteenth's federal designation, from the Act's background to its anticipated impact.
You'll gain insight into Juneteenth's origins, the Act's key provisions, political support and opposition, how different sectors are responding, and reflections on Juneteenth's emergence as an officially honored moment in America's ongoing journey toward equality.
Introduction to Juneteenth and Federal Recognition
Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth National Independence Day or Freedom Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. On June 19th, 1865, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce that the Civil War had ended and the enslaved were now free. This momentous news came late, but it marked the official end of slavery in the final Confederate state.
Juneteenth celebrations, which combine prayer, food, historical reenactments, and other festivities, have been held by African American communities for over 150 years. However, it was not until June 17th, 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, officially making Juneteenth the 11th annual federal holiday in the United States. This represented a major milestone in recognizing the profound historical significance of Juneteenth.
Understanding Juneteenth's Historical Context
When President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1st, 1863, it declared that all enslaved people in Confederate territory were free. However, the proclamation was difficult to enforce in places still under Confederate control. It was not until the final Southern states fell to the Union in 1865 that the news of freedom reached enslaved African Americans in Texas.
On June 19th, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger along with 1,800 federal troops arrived in Galveston Bay to take possession of Texas on behalf of the federal government. Granger stood on the balcony of Ashton Villa and read aloud General Order No. 3, announcing that in accordance with the Emancipation Proclamation, "all slaves are free." Formerly enslaved people who learned the news started celebrating June 19th as their day of liberation - giving birth to the Juneteenth holiday.
The Path to Emancipation Day
The Emancipation Proclamation paved the way for Juneteenth by declaring the freedom of enslaved people. However, the Civil War still needed to be won for that freedom to be enforced. Key events in the path to victory included:
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April 9, 1865 - Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia. This signaled the defeat of the Confederacy.
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April 14, 1865 - President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, just days after Lee’s surrender. Vice President Andrew Johnson assumed the presidency.
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May 26, 1865 - The last Confederate forces surrendered in the month following Lee and Lincoln’s pivotal moments. With the war officially over, the process of emancipating enslaved people could begin.
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June 2, 1865 - Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith surrendered his troops in Galveston, paving the way for Granger to arrive on June 19th to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation.
Traditions and Celebrations Preceding the Federal Holiday
Juneteenth celebrations have taken place since 1866 in African American communities across the country. The first year it was celebrated in Texas with prayer services and cookouts. As formerly enslaved people migrated out of Texas, they brought Juneteenth traditions with them to new cities and states. Food, historical reenactments, parades, concerts, voter registration drives and more became staple Juneteenth events over the decades.
In 1980 Texas became the first state to establish Juneteenth as a paid state holiday. Over the years, most U.S. states and the District of Columbia passed legislation to officially recognize Juneteenth as a holiday or observance. Grassroots campaigns, such as the movement led by Opal Lee, continued to advocate to make Juneteenth a national holiday. These sustained efforts over generations paved the way for President Biden to finally grant Juneteenth federal holiday status in 2021.
When was Juneteenth written into law?
On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, officially establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday in the United States.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day that Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce that the Civil War had ended and all enslaved people were now free. This was over two years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which had legally freed enslaved people in Confederate states. However, enforcement of the proclamation relied on the advance of Union troops, so its effects were not felt in Texas until Union forces arrived there on June 19, 1865. While Juneteenth celebrations had been taking place since 1866, the day had never been recognized as a federal holiday until 2021.
The bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday was introduced in the wake of the 2020 protests against police brutality and racism after the murder of George Floyd. It quickly gained bipartisan support, passing unanimously in the Senate on June 15, 2021 and then passing 415-14 in the House of Representatives on June 16. President Biden signed the bill into law on June 17, making Juneteenth the first new federal holiday created since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.
The first official observance of Juneteenth as a federal holiday took place on June 19, 2022 across the country, with the stock market and most federal offices closed for the day. Juneteenth is now recognized as the nation’s 12th federal holiday.
What is the 475 Juneteenth National Independence Day Act?
The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, officially known as S. 475, is a bill that was introduced in the United States Senate on February 25, 2021. The purpose of this bill is to establish June 19th, known as "Juneteenth", as a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
Here are some key details about the bill:
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It was introduced by Senator Edward Markey (D-MA), along with 60 co-sponsors.
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The bill states that June 19th will be a legal public holiday for federal employees and that it is to be called "Juneteenth National Independence Day."
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June 19th commemorates June 19, 1865, the day that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned that they were free under the Emancipation Proclamation. This was over two years after President Lincoln issued the proclamation.
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If signed into law, Juneteenth would become the 12th federal holiday. It would be the first federal holiday established since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.
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The bill notes that Juneteenth is already formally recognized in 47 states and the District of Columbia. If passed, it would make Juneteenth a federal observance nationwide.
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Passing this bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday was a key priority for the Congressional Black Caucus in 2021. It gained momentum after the 2020 protests demanding racial justice.
So in summary, S. 475 would establish a new federal holiday called Juneteenth National Independence Day on June 19th to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. This date has historical and cultural significance for many African Americans.
What does Juneteenth National Independence Day celebrate?
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day that enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas finally received news of their freedom, over two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This was a pivotal moment marking the end of slavery in the United States.
Some key points about what Juneteenth celebrates:
- The end of slavery in the United States after the Civil War
- African Americans in Texas receiving notice of the Emancipation Proclamation
- The delayed communication of freedom reaching enslaved people
- An important milestone in African American history and culture
- The resilience of African Americans enduring slavery awaiting freedom
Juneteenth gives us a chance to reflect on the struggle for freedom and civil rights in America. It celebrates Black culture, achievements, and reminds us of the fight for equality that continues today. Recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday affirms the importance of these ideals in U.S. history.
The new federal Juneteenth holiday represents a step toward recognizing America's full promise of equality and justice for all. Much work remains in addressing current civil rights issues, but commemorating Juneteenth allows us to celebrate progress while continuing to advance freedoms for all.
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Who approved Juneteenth as a federal holiday?
On June 17, 2021, the United States Congress passed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, establishing Juneteenth as a US federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. This legislation to make Juneteenth a national holiday was unanimously approved by the Senate and passed the House in a 415-14 vote. It was then signed into law by President Joe Biden on June 17, 2021.
The bill was introduced in the US House of Representatives by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and had 171 co-sponsors. It gained bipartisan support, passing Congress with ease before being signed into law by President Biden. This made June 19th, known as 'Juneteenth', an official US federal holiday - the first new federal holiday created since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.
Juneteenth marks the date of June 19, 1865. On this date, over two years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation freeing slaves, word of their emancipation finally reached African Americans in Texas. Union General Gordon Granger announced the end of slavery in Galveston, Texas that day in 1865, marking the final liberation of all enslaved people in the US.
The creation of Juneteenth as an official US holiday commemorates the end of the legal institution of human chattel enslavement in the United States, a pivotal milestone in US history. This occurred over 2.5 years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation due to the remote location of Texas and the resistance of slave-owners to notify enslaved people of their freedom. After substantial effort, the federal government has now designated this date as one warranting national recognition and celebration.
The Path to S 475: Juneteenth National Independence Day Act
From Proposal to White House Bill Signings
On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, establishing Juneteenth as a U.S. federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. The bill was passed by unanimous consent in the Senate on June 15, after easily clearing the House vote the previous day. Its quick journey from initial proposal to presidential signing marked a rare moment of bipartisan agreement, as well as growing momentum to recognize the enduring legacy of slavery and racism in America.
The push for Juneteenth to become a federal holiday gained particular urgency in 2020, as protests swept the nation in response to high-profile incidents of police brutality and the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 on Black communities. Against this backdrop, Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) and Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) introduced legislation to make Juneteenth the 12th federal holiday. The bill drew record numbers of Congressional co-sponsors and support from civil rights organizations, businesses, and the public. With Democrats controlling both chambers in 2021, the stars aligned for the bill's smooth and rapid passage.
Dissecting the Juneteenth Bill Provisions
The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act contains three main provisions:
- It designates June 19th as Juneteenth National Independence Day, a U.S. federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery.
- It instructs federal entities to recognize the holiday in the same manner as other federal holidays. This includes closing nonessential government services and providing a paid day off for federal employees.
- It encourages state and local governments, as well as private businesses, to recognize Juneteenth with paid time off and celebrations of history, education, and achievement.
By making Juneteenth an official federal holiday, the law seeks to increase awareness of the enduring legacy of slavery and move the U.S. towards reconciliation and healing. It also represents a major milestone in the journey towards racial justice and equality.
Political Landscape: Support and Opposition
The Juneteenth bill enjoyed broad, bipartisan political support, alongside overwhelming public approval. A 2020 Gallup poll found that 63% of U.S. adults supported making Juneteenth a federal holiday.
Nonetheless, the bill faced some opposition, primarily from Republican lawmakers concerned about the cost of adding a new federal holiday. Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) blocked an earlier attempt to pass the bill in 2020, citing Congressional Budget Office estimates that closing federal offices could cost taxpayers up to $600 million in lost productivity. However, Senator Johnson ultimately relented and allowed the bill's passage in 2021, stating that while it remained "an effort that I think is misguided," he would no longer object given the widespread backing for the measure.
A handful of House Republicans also voted against the bill, including Representative Matt Rosendale (R-MT) who claimed it was intended to celebrate "identity politics" rather than liberty. However, their objections failed to gain much traction. With strong bipartisan support, a Democratic-controlled Congress, and a president eager to sign the historic bill into law, the decks were cleared for Juneteenth to formally take its place as the nation's 11th annual federal holiday.
Celebrating Juneteenth Across the Nation
U.S. State and Local Government Observances
Many state and local governments have moved to recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday. As of June 2022, Juneteenth is a paid state holiday in 18 states and the District of Columbia. Many other states have passed legislation or resolutions commemorating the day.
At the local level, over 200 cities and counties observe Juneteenth as a paid holiday for government employees. These include major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City, and Washington D.C. Many local governments host public events, parades, concerts, food festivals and more to mark the occasion.
By giving employees a paid day off and hosting public celebrations, state and local governments raise awareness of Juneteenth's history and significance. This recognizes the integral role emancipation played in African-American freedom and the civil rights movement.
Corporate Recognition and African-American Culture
Many major corporations now recognize Juneteenth as a company holiday. Over 460 Fortune 500 companies observed Juneteenth in 2022 by giving employees a paid day off.
Tech companies like Twitter, Lyft, Nike, Target, and Best Buy announced making Juneteenth an annual company holiday in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd. Media companies like The New York Times, CNN, and Vox Media also give employees a paid day off.
Beyond paid time off, companies host panels on Black history and culture, amplify Black voices and stories, and make financial investments to advance racial equity. Nonprofits, cultural institutions, schools, and places of worship also organize educational events about emancipation and Black liberation.
This corporate recognition demonstrates a deeper understanding and respect for the African-American experience. It provides opportunities for ongoing education, reflection, and activism.
Juneteenth Public Celebrations and Cultural Significance
Juneteenth is celebrated through both intimate family gatherings as well as large public events. Common traditions include parades, street fairs, cookouts, historical reenactments, rodeos, concerts, beauty pageants, parties, dances, readings of the Emancipation Proclamation and more.
Public celebrations demonstrate emancipation’s cultural significance and allow for community bonding. Juneteenth parades and festivals bring people together in solidarity, joy and commemoration. It allows diverse groups to participate in Black art, food, history and culture.
On a deeper level, Juneteenth represents collective healing from the legacy of slavery. Public celebrations transform places that once embodied segregation into sites of jubilation and freedom. Participating in street fairs, parades and community gatherings provides opportunities for understanding and reconciliation.
The Wider Impact of Juneteenth as a Federal Holiday
Unpacking the Symbolic Value of Emancipation Day
The designation of Juneteenth as a federal holiday carries deep symbolic meaning, as it officially recognizes and honors an important milestone in African American history and the long struggle toward equality and civil rights. Juneteenth marks the date in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas finally received news of their freedom under the Emancipation Proclamation. The new federal holiday validates the historical significance of this event and conveys a message of respect and inclusion to African American communities. It also represents an acknowledgment of the legacy of slavery and its enduring impacts. As such, the holiday has value in promoting healing, unity, and racial reconciliation.
Exploring Social, Cultural, and Historical Implications
Beyond its immediate symbolic impact, the establishment of Juneteenth as a federal holiday may have longer-term influences on American society and culture. By prompting reflection on the history of slavery and emancipation each year, the holiday ensures these topics remain part of the national consciousness and collective memory. Over time, this can nurture greater understanding of the African American experience and informed dialogue on related social issues. The holiday may also spur expanded academic study and artistic exploration of associated historical themes. In addition, Juneteenth provides a platform for highlighting and celebrating important aspects of African American culture, heritage, and progress.
Economic Influence and Policy Considerations
As a new federal holiday, Juneteenth carries economic implications as well. Government agencies and many corporate employers now recognize Juneteenth as a paid day off, expanding income security and leisure time for workers. However, policymakers must weigh potential losses in productivity and output against the symbolic and social benefits. The holiday may generate new economic activity around related events, marketing campaigns, travel, and commerce. Lawmakers could consider targeted supports for small businesses impacted by closures. Over the long-term, the social cohesion and equality advanced by Juneteenth could yield economic dividends by unleashing underutilized human capital.
Reflecting on Juneteenth: A New Chapter in American History
Recapping the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act
The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, signed into law in 2021, officially designated June 19th as Juneteenth National Independence Day, a US federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. This historic legislation recognizes Juneteenth as a day of profound weight and meaning in American history.
As the first new federal holiday created in decades, Juneteenth represents a long-overdue step toward acknowledging America's history of slavery and the ongoing fight for equality. Its establishment reflects wider societal reckonings with injustice and racism in recent years.
By making Juneteenth a federal holiday, the 117th Congress brought greater awareness to the end of slavery in the US. This creates opportunities for all Americans to celebrate liberation and continue working toward a more just society.
Anticipating the Future of Juneteenth Celebrations
With federal recognition, Juneteenth is likely to see increased attention and participation in coming years. As more public and private institutions observe the holiday, it will further cement Juneteenth's significance in American culture.
There is tremendous potential for Juneteenth to highlight African-American history and achievements. Related educational events, community gatherings, and political activism could strengthen on this date.
Additionally, Juneteenth may inspire people of all backgrounds to reflect on diversity and work toward positive change in their communities. It serves as a yearly reminder of the progress made and the progress left to accomplish.
The establishment of Juneteenth National Independence Day in 2021 marked a symbolic step toward acknowledging America's history of inequality. With this new federal holiday now enshrined in law, the nation can look ahead to a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
