June 19, 2023: June 19 also known as Freedom Day or Liberation Day is celebrated on June 19 every year. It commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. Let’s dive into a little history.
In 1863, then-U.S. president Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing more than 3 million slaves living in the Confederate states.
On June 19, 1865, Confederate General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and proclaimed the abolition of slavery for enslaved African Americans living in Texas, the last Confederate state. where the Emancipation Proclamation had not yet been enforced.
In 1866, the first Juneteenth celebration took place in Texas. During the early celebrations, people held prayers, sang spiritual songs, and wore new clothes to show their freedom. As time went on, African Americans in different states began to join the celebration, making it an annual event. Although June 17 has been celebrated for many years, it has gained wider recognition and attention in recent times.
Beautiful night at the White House for the Juneteenth Anniversary. @The White House pic.twitter.com/cFpZAiCDR8
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce)
June 14, 2023
Is June 17 a federal holiday?
On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill into law designating June 17 as a federal holiday. On June 19, 2022, June 19 was officially recognized as a federal holiday in the United States. According to the Pew Research Center, it is currently a paid public holiday in 24 states and the District of Columbia. The twenty-four states are – Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas , Utah, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia.
Also Read – What is June 17 and why is it celebrated?
Important information about Juneteenth
- June 17 is also known as Liberation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day and Liberation Day.
- This is the first federal holiday to be established since Martin Luther King Jr Day. year 1983.
- Opal Lee is a Texas-based activist who was one of the main forces behind making June 17 a national federal holiday.
- In 1980, Texas became the first state to make June 17 a holiday.
June 19, 2023 will be celebrated on June 19, Several public celebrations will take place across different cities and states in the USA. In short, this is not just a day off; it is a celebration of freedom.
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: pagasa.edu.vn