Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is held on June 19, a date where Americans celebrate and reflect on the history, journey and culture of Black Americans.
Here’s what to know about the federal holiday:
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger led Union soldiers into Galveston, Texas, bringing news that slavery in the United States had ended by executive decree. Despite it having been issued two and a half years earlier, President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation only then came into force, freeing the enslaved in Western Texas.
When is Juneteenth?
Kentucky’s official Juneteenth event commemorating the heritage and legacy of African Americans with a cultural extravaganza featuring mouthwatering food and soulful live music.The festival supports more than 100 minority businesses and expects attendance of more than 10,000. June 15, 2024
Each year, Americans celebrate Juneteenth on June 19 by celebrating and reflecting on the history, journey and culture of Black Americans.
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What does Juneteenth mean?
The word “Juneteenth” is a combination of “June” and “19th,” the month and day that formerly enslaved people in Texas were freed.
Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?
Taylor Metcalf worked at Kentucky’s official Juneteenth event commemorating the heritage and legacy of African Americans with a cultural extravaganza featuring mouthwatering food and soulful live music. June 15, 2024
Yes. Juneteenth became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, when the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act was signed into law. All federal employees get a paid day off for the holiday.
Juneteenth is also a state holiday in Kentucky, after Gov. Andy Beshear declared it an Executive Branch holiday in 2024.
“Juneteenth is an important day for all Kentuckians to observe and honor the historic and continuing contributions of African Americans in making our commonwealth the place we love and call home,” Beshear said at the time. “My hope is that everyone embraces the spirit of emancipation and freedom that this day represents as we build a better Kentucky that welcomes everyone.”
How is Juneteenth celebrated?
Juneteenth is celebrated with various activities, including parades, family reunions, speeches, and communal meals. Many communities host festivals with food, music, and dancing. Some people also attend historical site visits, volunteer for related causes, or learn about the history of Juneteenth.
In Louisville, look for events at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, the Kentucky Opera Center for Cultural Health, the Muhammad Ali Center, and more.
What is open, closed on Juneteenth?
Banks, post offices and the stock market will be closed, as Juneteenth is a federal holiday observed by the Federal Reserve.
Many stores and restaurants in Kentucky will be open, though it’s always best to check with specific businesses for their hours.
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Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: What is Juneteenth? Here’s what to know about the federal holiday
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