
Many nationwide are celebrating the day Union troops notified enslaved Black people in Confederate Texas territories that they were free.
Today (June 19) is Juneteenth. Over 100 years ago, Major General Gordon Granger issued an order proclaiming freedom for enslaved people in Galveston on June 19, 1865. Hundreds have gathered every year since the emancipation of enslaved African Americans to commemorate the historic moment.
In 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. The legislation added the anniversary date to the government holiday calendar, making it a national occasion. “Today (June 17, 2021), we consecrate Juneteenth for what it ought to be, what it must be: a national holiday,” Biden previously said. “As the vice president noted, a holiday that will join the others of our national celebrations: our independence, our laborers who built this nation, our servicemen and women who served and died in its defense.”
This Monday, citizens online, including former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, continue to honor the day all Black people were free in the States. “On Juneteenth, we commemorate the anniversary of the delayed but welcome news of freedom reaching the enslaved Black folks in Galveston, Texas. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest hours, there is a cause to hope — and a reason to keep building a country that lives up [to] its highest ideals,” he wrote.
On Juneteenth, we commemorate the anniversary of the delayed but welcome news of freedom reaching the enslaved Black folks in Galveston, Texas. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest hours, there is cause to hope — and a reason to keep building a country that lives up to its…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) June 19, 2023
“Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom — a chance to pay tribute to countless advocates, activists, and change-makers and the work they did to build a more perfect Union,” Michelle tweeted. “I can’t think of a more meaningful way to honor the actions of so many who came before us than by registering to vote.”
Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom—a chance to pay tribute to countless advocates, activists, and changemakers and the work they did to build a more perfect Union.
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) June 19, 2023
Check out how other Twitter users celebrated the third year of Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday and its historic meaning below:
Happy #Juneteenth y'all!! pic.twitter.com/M7retBbLj9
— Rickey Smiley (@RickeySmiley) June 19, 2023
Juneteenth is about freedom. We must celebrate the many contributions of the African American community, remember the past, and recommit to continue the fight for freedom.
Today, I am thinking about John. May we never stop fighting for a better future for all. #Juneteenth pic.twitter.com/0KzuaLDPm3
— Lisa Blunt Rochester (@LisaBRochester) June 19, 2023
Happy Juneteenth! How do you celebrate? pic.twitter.com/JCJ60LWmHl
— The Jennifer Hudson Show (@JHudShow) June 19, 2023
Today we commemorate Black American ancestors' struggle for freedom, and honor their dignity and resiliency.#Juneteenth #Juneteenth2023 #JubileeDay #EmancipationDay #FreedomDay #cartoonnetwork #blackhistory #supportblackbusinesses #ShareBlackStories #BlackJoy pic.twitter.com/MeR9YEWAHO
— Cartoon Network (@cartoonnetwork) June 19, 2023
A day of reflection and celebration. #Juneteenth pic.twitter.com/a44GWHWrra
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) June 19, 2023
Happy Juneteenth. I see you — I celebrate your emancipation. ✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/F2kOo2sEKN
— Lakota Man (@LakotaMan1) June 19, 2023