Why Do Americans Observe Juneteenth?

Juneteenth has been an emancipation celebration observed for generations.

It commemorates the announcement of General Order No. 3, proclaiming freedom from slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865.
That day was when every enslaved person in the U.S. finally knew that they were free and the institution came to an end.

"The mood of the day is jubilation. It really is around celebration, reading about the day, talking about the day, and thinking about what it means to be a descendent of enslaved peoples in America and how far we've come."

Karma Lowe

Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and

Community Engagement, School of Social Work