From 1865 to 2023, we have come a long way. There are still ways to go, but more than 150 years have passed since the country’s second Independence Day.
Today, it’s one of the most significant anniversaries celebrated in the nation. From parades to parties and educational tours to family gatherings, Juneteenth is celebrated in multiple ways.
However, it’s important to remember how it began- Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived at Galveston on June 19, 1865, and delivered the news that brought cheers to all enslaved. The civil war was over, President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation, and the Union had won. This announcement was made two months after the end of the war, but many Black people were still enslaved in Texas.
When Granger arrived, he read out General Order No. 3, which stated that slavery was illegal and the enslaved were free. If they chose to stay on the plantations, they would be treated as hired hands. Here’s what a part of the General Order No. 3 said:
“The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer.”
Juneteenth marks 158 years since Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived at Galveston on June 19, 1865, and declared that all enslaved were free forever and would enjoy equal rights with their masters. All 50 states and the District of Columbia recognize this day. President Joe Biden made the day a federal holiday in 2021.
#1 What Does Juneteenth Generally Mean?
Juneteenth stands for June 19. It celebrates the date in 1865, two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed Emancipation Proclamation when Major General Gordon Granger declared that every enslaved person was free and had equal rights as their enslaver. It is also referred to as the second Independence Day.
#2 What Is the Difference Between Juneteenth and Independence Day?
In the U.S., Juneteenth and Independence Day are two national holidays that celebrate two different aspects of attaining freedom in the country. In fact, Juneteenth is also referred to as the second Independence Day. Juneteenth marks June 19. On that day in 1865, two years after Emancipation Proclamation was signed, the last enslaved people were freed in Texas by the Union army.
Independence Day, on July 4, marks the country’s independence in 1776 from Great Britain when the Declaration of Independence was adopted. As such, the former explicitly celebrates the autonomy of Black Americans from enslavers. It marks gaining personal independence for many in the nation.
#3 What States Recognize Juneteenth?
In the U.S., all 50 states recognize Juneteenth as an observance or holiday. But only 18 states- Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, South Dakota, Nebraska, New York, Washington, Oregon, Louisiana, Delaware, Maine, Texas, Virginia, Ohio, and Georgia have made it a permanent state holiday that is paid.
Six states- Massachusetts, Oregon, Virginia, New York, Washington, and Texas; have made the day an official state holiday. So workers get a paid day off. The District of Columbia and 24 states have it as a paid holiday.
#4 What Year Did Juneteenth Become a Federal Holiday?
In 2021, President Joe Biden signed a Congress-passed bill that declared Juneteenth or June 19 as a federal holiday.
#5 What Is Another Name for Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is sometimes called Freedom Day, Liberty Day, Emancipation Day, African American Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Freedom Day, or Black Independence Day.
#6 Why Did It Take 2 Years for Juneteenth?
On January 1, 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. But on June 19, 1865, federal troops reached Texas, Galveston, to enforce that. This delay was due to a shortage of Union troops in Texas and resistance towards emancipation by the enslavers who didn’t want to let go of free labor.
#7 Do You Say Happy Juneteenth?
Yes, Happy Juneteenth or Happy Juneteenth Day is commonly said to wish others on June 19. However, it’s debated whether saying this specifically to Black people is discriminatory or not.
This is because not all Black people are African Americans with a connection to this day. As such, many think it’s okay to say it in a social media post or a general statement.
#8 Do They Deliver Mail on Juneteenth?
No, Post Offices all over the nation are closed on June 19. So the US Postal Service won’t deliver any packages or regular mail that day. However, the business will resume the next day.
#9 Do Most Companies Have Juneteenth Off?
CNN reported that about 40% of U.S. employers provide Juneteenth paid holiday. This is a sizeable increase from 9%, which was the statistic before the trigger point incident of George Floyd’s death.
#10 Do People Work on Juneteenth?
Generally, there is a festive atmosphere, so people tend not to work on June 19 or Juneteenth. Also, a lot of companies give that day as a paid holiday. However, whether small grocery stores observe that day or not varies from one to the other.
So what are you planning on doing this Juneteenth?
Are you planning a picnic with your family? Or going to a party?
Let us know in the comments below.
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