06/19/2026
June 19, or Juneteenth, is a day to celebrate freedom while also remembering and learning from the inequities of both our past and present.
Did you know?
The celebration of Juneteenth began in Galveston, Texas, in the 1860s after news of emancipation finally reached enslaved people there. Today, communities across the United States honor Juneteenth as a day of celebration, reflection, hope, and remembrance, recognizing the resilience of those who endured the injustices of slavery.
Juneteenth became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, making it the eleventh federal holiday in the United States.
It was also the first new federal holiday established since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was designated in 1983.
As we commemorate Juneteenth, may we continue learning, listening, and working toward a more equitable future for all.