Honoring freedom, resilience, and Black excellence in history.
More than a day — Juneteenth honors the strength, culture, and triumph of African American history. A tribute to liberty, memory, and progress.
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. On June 19, 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the freedom of enslaved people. Today, Juneteenth is celebrated nationwide with family gatherings, parades, readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, and reflections on culture, resilience, and ongoing freedom, and the traditional use of red foods — all honoring resilience, freedom, and community. As a symbol of perseverance and progress, Juneteenth serves not only as a commemoration but also as a reminder to continue advancing justice, civic engagement, and historical awareness.
Abolitionist and speaker who escaped slavery and fought for equality.
Freedom fighter who led enslaved people to safety via the Underground Railroad.
Leader of the Civil Rights Movement who advocated for nonviolent resistance.
Known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” Opal Lee led decades of advocacy — including a symbolic march from Fort Worth to Washington D.C. in 2016 at age 89 — that helped establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday.
Each Juneteenth, the Taylor family gathers in Houston for storytelling, music, and traditional red velvet cake. “We honor our ancestors and pass the stories on,” says Aunt Lila. “It’s a day of joy and memory.”
Galveston’s Juneteenth parade fills the streets with dancers, drummers, and floats. The community celebrates freedom with vibrant colors, music, and shared hope for a more just future.
High school student Maya Williams organized a youth poetry slam for Juneteenth, focusing on dreams, identity, and progress. “We’re the legacy — our voices matter,” she says.
At every block party, Mr. Johnson serves his famous red punch — a nod to the tradition of red foods representing resilience and the blood of generations past.
In 1872, four formerly enslaved men in Houston pooled together $800 to purchase land for Juneteenth celebrations, founding Emancipation Park. Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of freedom and community pride, hosting thousands every June 19th.
In 1997, the Juneteenth flag was created to represent a new beginning for African Americans, featuring a bursting star that echoes the Texas flag and a horizon for new opportunities. Today, it is raised at ceremonies across the country.
Many cities mark Juneteenth with a public reading of the Emancipation Proclamation. In Atlanta in 2020, hundreds gathered for a sunrise reading, reminding all of the enduring fight for justice and equality, echoing through generations.
In 2021, people in cities nationwide walked together in Freedom Marches to honor Juneteenth’s new status as a federal holiday. These marches, filled with music and unity, symbolized both celebration and the call for continued progress.