Juneteenth, also known as National Independence Day or Emancipation Day, is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated annually on June 19. It commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Today, Google Doodle celebrates June 16 by dedicating a special Doodle illustrated by Oakland-based guest artist Christian Robinson. The Doodle honors the liberation of enslaved black people in the United States following news of the Emancipation Proclamation reaching Galveston Bay, Texas on June 19, 1865. Although President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 declared all enslaved people in Confederate states free, it took two and a half years for the news to reach all slaves. Juneteenth marks the arrival of Union Major General Gordon Granger in Galveston, Texas in 1865, where he announced the end of the Civil War and the freedom of slaves in the state.
Juneteenth has become a day to celebrate freedom and African American culture, with traditional festivities including parades, rodeos, barbecues, and music festivals. It is a day for families to come together, reflect on the past, and honor the struggles and triumphs of African Americans. The holiday’s significance has grown in recent years, serving as a reminder of the ongoing fight for racial justice and a call to create a more just and equitable society. Ways to participate in Juneteenth celebrations include attending local parades or festivals, learning more about black history and culture, supporting Black-owned businesses, and reflecting on the ongoing fight for racial equality.
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