Image from New York Times "Juneteenth Day Celebration"
“This Fourth July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn.” (Douglass, 5)
Fredrick Douglass, Independence Day Keynote Speech, July 5, 1852.
On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to finish spreading word to enslaved African Americans of their freedom. After two years, news of the Emancipation Proclamation had finally been delivered across the country. Juneteenth celebrates this day, the day when everyone was granted freedom. It also serves as a reminder that, until everyone is free, no one is free.
While Juneteenth has long been celebrated throughout the country, it wasn’t until June 17th, 2021, when the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act was passed. This amendment officially declared Juneteenth as a legal, public holiday.
Today, Juneteenth celebrations hold onto that same sentiment. They honor achievements and cultural contributions of African Americans, and give space to teach, motivate, and inspire future generations. It’s also a day for reflection. Consider the societal and legal restraints historically faced by minority groups, and how they are manifested today. To seek equality, what changes need to be made, and how do we progress forward? As Kelly E Naives, Museum Specialist at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, so eloquently states “Juneteenth is for everyone who believes in freedom, and who believes in creating a new world.” (Who Celebrates Juneteenth?).
Douglass, Frederick. "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" Rochester, NY, July 5, 1852. Link
“Learn and Celebrate about Juneteenth” PBS, June 15, 2025. Link
"S.475 - 117th Congress (2021-2022): Juneteenth National Independence Day Act." Congress.gov, Library of Congress, 17 June 202. Link
“Who Celebrates Juneteenth?” National Museum of African American History and Culture, Link, Accessed May 29, 2025.
Fillmore, Jerry. “Juneteenth Worcester 2025: Honoring Our Community’s History” What’s Up Worcester, Link. Accessed May 29, 2025.
