Juneteenth Day Celebrations

Marking the end of slavery in Texas, Juneteenth Day is celebrated on June 19th in many parts of the country. While informal observance is held nationwide, Juneteenth is an official Texas state holiday, and enjoys state holiday status or state holiday observance status in Arkansas, New York, Connecticut, Alaska, Massachusetts, California and 24 other states. The observance is often also referred to as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day.

Evolving from the words "June" and "nineteenth," Juneteenth recalls a time in history when emancipation occurred for slaves in Texas. Even though Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation became effective in 1863, Texas was almost entirely under Confederate control for several years afterwards and slaves did not notice much change in their lives. When Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas and General Gordon Granger read parts of the Emancipation Proclamation to the gathered crowds on June 19th 1865, former slaves celebrated in the streets. The following year, parades, picnics, street fairs and music commemorated the anniversary of the event.

Today, Juneteenth is the oldest celebration in the country that recognizes emancipation; many areas now focus on African American accomplishments and achievements. While outdoor gatherings and picnics are still widely held, many communities hold events such as rodeos, public speeches, fishing tournaments, baseball games and community fairs.

Food is a central part of any celebration, and Juneteenth is no exception. Since the commemorative holiday originated in Texas, it's no wonder that Texas-influenced food and Southern cuisine take center stage. Barbecue in a traditional pit is common at a Juneteenth picnic, as is strawberry soda, sweet potato pie, cornbread, watermelon and greens.

In its early years, Juneteenth was also a holiday during which former slaves dressed up to celebrate. Because of restrictive slave laws that regulated what slaves could and could not wear, dressing up became another way for African Americans to celebrate their freedom. While today few celebrants don formal wear, it's interesting to see the many ways in which former slaves once embraced their freedom and rights on this historic day.

While early Juneteenth celebrations saw little recognition outside African American communities, today the historic occasion is celebrated across the nation. While staying true to its roots as an outdoor food- and fun-loving event, it has become an opportunity for all Americans to take note of the contributions made by the African American community.