Understanding the Juneteenth Holiday

On Jan. 1, 1863, Freedom's Eve marked the first Watch Night services where African Americans gathered in anticipation of the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared all enslaved people in Confederate States legally free at midnight.

Implementation of the Emancipation Proclamation was limited in areas still under Confederate control, delaying freedom for many, particularly in Texas. Freedom for enslaved people in Texas was officially announced on June 19, 1865, by Union troops in Galveston Bay, leading to the celebration of "Juneteenth."

Juneteenth is recognized as the nation's second independence day, celebrated primarily within the African American community but, until recently was largely unknown to many Americans.

Please select this link to learn more from the National Museum of African American History.