Juneteenth is celebrated as Independence Day, honouring the liberation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. Juneteenth 2024 offers a valuable opportunity to honor the struggle for freedom and equality by participating in events, with fun-filled activities, and throwing back on inspirational quotes. Let us learn about this day through the given details and work towards a more comprehensive and equitable society.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is celebrated as Independence Day, honouring the liberation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It symbolizes the constant pursuit of freedom, resilience, and equality.”Juneteenth” is a combination of the words “June” and “nineteenth”, which refer to the specific date of the holiday.
What Is The History Of Juneteenth?
Abraham Lincoln, the President of the USA issued the Proclamation of Emancipation On January 1, 1863, and declared that all slaves in Confederate states of America were to be freed. In different parts of the country, especially far away areas.
On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and declared that all enslaved African Americans were released in the United States. Since then, this day began to be celebrated as Juneteenth every year.
All the free African Americans in Texas celebrated this day as freedom with joy. They celebrated this day through prayers, music, feasts, and gatherings with family and friends. Later on, the celebration of Juneteenth spread to other states as many African Americans moved across the country.
In 1980, Texas recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday.
President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act On June 17, 2021, & this day was observed as a federal holiday in the United States. It was the first new federal holiday after the establishment of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.
This day represents a powerful symbol of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice
When is Juneteenth 2024?
On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger proclaimed the freedom of all enslaved African Americans in accordance with the Emancipation Proclamation. Since then, this day is celebrated on June 19 every year. Juneteenth 2024 will be celebrated on June 19 i.e. Wednesday. It offers an opportunity to honour the struggle for freedom and equality while celebrating the rich culture and heritage of African Americans.
What Is The Origin Of Juneteenth?
The United States is considered the origin of Juneteenth. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger proclaimed freedom for all enslaved African Americans, effectively enforcing the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued on January 1, 1863.
It marks the historic moment when the news of emancipation reached the last remaining enslaved African Americans in Texas. Since then, It has become a symbol of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.
Is Juneteenth 2024 a Federal Holiday?
Yes, Juneteenth has been declared as a federal holiday in the United States. The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act was passed by Congress on June 16, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed it. It was observed as a state holiday in Texas in 1980, and several other states declared it a state holiday.
How is Juneteenth celebrated?
Juneteenth is celebrated in various ways, with community-wide events such as parades, festivals, and rallies. Families and friends get together to enjoy each other’s company and celebrate the holiday. Many educational programs are hosted by various institutions that focus on African-American history, culture, and achievements.
Juneteenth Quotes
- “Emancipation was a proclamation, but freedom is a practice.” – Clint Smith
- “Knowledge makes a man unfit to be a slave.”– Frederick Douglass
- “There are still many causes worth sacrificing for, so much history yet to be made.”– Michelle Obama
- “My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.”– Desmond Tutu
- “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.” — Ida B. Wells-Barnett
- “In the end, anti-black, anti-female, and all forms of discrimination are equivalent to the same thing: anti-humanism.” —Shirley Chisholm
- “If you dare to struggle, you dare to win. If you dare not struggle, then damn it, you don’t deserve to win.” — Fred Hampton
- “Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
- “You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.” —Malcolm X
- “I had crossed the line. I was free, but there was no one to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land.” — Harriet Tubman
Juneteenth Activities for Kids
Juneteenth is an important holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. As we honour this historic event, it is important to involve children in learning and celebrating Juneteenth. Children will learn about the importance of this holiday by engaging in activities. Some exciting Juneteenth activities for kids are the following:
- Storytelling Sessions
- Arts and Crafts
- Juneteenth Scavenger Hunt
- Soul Food Exploration
- Virtual Field Trips and Educational Videos
Read also: 10 Inspirational Short Stories About Life
FAQ
1. What day is Juneteenth 2024?
19 June 2024, Wednesday
2. What is the theme of Juneteenth?
African American resilience and achievement
3. What is Juneteenth in NJ (New Jersey)?
Juneteenth marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed.
We hope that the given information about Juneteenth reminds us to stand united, promote justice, and create a more inclusive future for all of Juneteenth. It’s a day to honour the resilience and strength of African Americans. If you have any other queries about Juneteenth 2024, feel free to reach us so that we can get back to you at the earliest possible.