Juneteenth: Jubilee Day
- gallopade
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
A combination of “June” and “nineteenth,” Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, and celebrates the end of slavery in the United States.[1] This year, Juneteenth is celebrating its 160th anniversary!
The History of Juneteenth
When the Emancipation Proclamation was declared on January 1, 1863, stating “all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free," it did not end slavery everywhere in the United States. It only abolished slavery in states still in rebellion against the Union, making it difficult to implement because the Confederacy controlled these states.[2]
News of the Emancipation Proclamation did not reach the enslaved African Americans living in Texas for almost two and a half years.[3] It was not until June 19, 1865, that they were freed when Union soldiers came to take control of Texas and read General Order No. 3:
"The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer."
Juneteenth, also known as Jubilee Day, is a holiday commemorating this monumental moment and has been celebrated for decades, but it wasn't until 2021 that it became a federal holiday.[4]
Today, people nationwide gather on June 19 to commemorate this momentous occasion. On this day, we celebrate and raise awareness about its history and its significance to African Americans.
We understand the importance of celebrating Juneteenth while continuing to educate ourselves about the holiday's true meaning. As the holiday gains more recognition, the number of national events and celebrations continues to expand. We've researched and found some of the most significant events you might want to participate in, so mark your calendars!
Atlanta Parade & Music Festival
Our first stop on the Juneteenth celebration trail is in Atlanta, Georgia, for the Juneteenth Parade & Music Festival. It's one of the best places to learn more about African American culture and indulge in tasty dishes while swaying to the rhythmic beats of marching bands participating in the parade. This year, the festival will be held on June 14-15.
If you're a vendor or wish to volunteer, you can sign up on the festival’s website before the event. You can also participate in their 5K Freedom Run. Click here to sign up or to learn more.
Opal’s Walk for Freedom
Finding time to go outside and enjoy the fresh air with others who understand the day's significance is another way to celebrate this year. If you're in Fort Worth, Texas, take some time to join Ms. Opal on her walk for freedom.
Opal’s Walk for Freedom is an annual 2.5-mile walk held on June 19, in which Ms. Opal and many others participate, aiming to educate people about the historical and cultural significance of Juneteenth. The 2.5 miles represent the two-and-a-half years that passed between the issue of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and its enforcement in Texas in 1865.[5]
Ms. Opal began her annual Walk for Freedom at the age of 89 to raise awareness of Juneteenth. She continues the tradition to this day!
160th Anniversary Celebrations in Galveston
Another way you can celebrate Juneteenth is in the holiday's birthplace! There's nothing better than immersing yourself in the history of Galveston, Texas, and learning more about the freedom given to the remaining enslaved people on June 19, 1865.
Galveston has tons of family-friendly events leading up to the 160th anniversary of the holiday, including picnics, a parade, concerts, historical tours, and more. View their calendar of events here.
Ways to Celebrate at Home
If you’re unable to partake in an out-of-state event, you can still celebrate Juneteenth using these activities!
“Original ‘Juneteenth’ General Order” (General Order No. 3) by National Archives: The official handwritten record of General Order No. 3 is available on the National Archives’ website. This document was read aloud by U.S. Major General Gordon Granger to inform Texans that slavery was abolished. Click here to view this historical document.
Bake a Red Velvet Cake: Enjoy baking? Try out a red velvet cake (or cupcake) recipe in honor of Juneteenth! Red foods are symbolic of Juneteenth because they represent the resilience of the African American community. Watermelon, strawberries, and red velvet cake are traditional foods eaten during Juneteenth celebrations.[6] You and your child can either bake a cake from scratch using this recipe from Thrillist, or you can purchase a red velvet cake mix and frosting from the store. Either way is equally delicious!
Juneteenth is a holiday that should always be remembered. We hope you and your kids have a grand Juneteenth celebration! For more educational activities, follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
Original published date: June 12, 2023
Edited on June 4, 2025, to include information about the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth.
Sources:
[1] Associated Press. “Junteenth is now a national holiday. How did it come to pass?” Public Broadcasting Service, 17 June 2021, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/juneteenth-is-now-a-national-holiday-how-did-it-come-to-pass. Accessed 4 June 2025.
[2] “Emancipation Proclamation.” National Archives, https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/emancipation-proclamation. Accessed 4 June 2025.
[3] Davis, Michael. “National Archives Safeguards Original ‘Juneteenth’ General Order.” National Archives News, 19 June 2020, https://www.archives.gov/news/articles/juneteenth-original-document. Accessed 4 June 2025.
[4] Nix, Elizabeth. “What is Juneteenth?” HISTORY, https://www.history.com/articles/what-is-juneteenth, 27 May 2025. Accessed 4 June 2025.
[5] “Opal’s Walk for Freedom Fort Worth, Texas.” Opal’s Walk for Freedom, https://opalswalkftworth.raceroster.com/. Accessed 4 June 2025.
[6] Coleman, Colette. “7 Juneteenth Foods and Traditions.” HISTORY, https://www.history.com/articles/juneteenth-foods-traditions. Accessed 4 June 2025.
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