Juneteenth, the newest US federal holiday, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans. President Joe Biden signed the bill creating it in 2021. Initially a regional holiday in the US South, Juneteenth gained national recognition after the 2020 protests over police killings of African Americans.
WHAT IS JUNETEENTH?
Juneteenth, a blend of June and 19th, also known as Emancipation Day, marks the day in 1865 when a Union general arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved African Americans of their freedom after the end of the Civil War. Texas officially declared Juneteenth a holiday in 1980, and now at least 28 states and the District of Columbia recognize it as a state holiday.
This year, Juneteenth is significant as it marks the fourth year as a federal holiday. All US government employees and participating private businesses have the day off. While some state governments do not recognize the holiday, efforts are underway to make it a permanent holiday in all states.
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