This article has been updated to reflect new resources.
Last year, Congress moved to establish a new federal holiday for the first time in nearly 40 years.
"Juneteenth" which marks the last African American slaves being freed in Texas following the Civil War, celebrates its 157th anniversary this Sunday. As the first federal holiday approved since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983, we are undoubtedly living history.
At Friedman, we recognize this momentous occasion while also acknowledging that racial injustice persists. We continue our commitment to promote and enforce change that drives inclusion both in our firm and throughout the communities in which we serve. We invite you to learn more about this powerful holiday, explore opportunities to celebrate, and find ways to support the black community.
What is Juneteenth?
Texans were not told of slavery's end when president Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. With the ongoing Civil War, news had not reached them. It wasn't until more than two months after the war ended on April 9, 1865 that Gen. Gordon Granger, whose mission was to make sure that all enslaved people were freed, brought the word to Galveston.
"The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free."
250,000 slaves were freed in Texas that day under the 13th Amendment
In 1866, freed men in Texas celebrated the first of what became known as "Jubilee Day" on June 19, and the celebrations included barbecues, music, prayer services, speeches and other activities.
The holiday later became known as Juneteenth, a shortening of June 19. As African-Americans moved away from Texas, the Juneteenth tradition spread.
Ways to Honor this Day
We invite you to explore these opportunities to start a tradition of celebrating Juneteenth in your home and community:
- 12 Ways To Celebrate Juneteenth In NYC This Year
- Celebrate Juneteenth in NJ at These Events
- Your Guide to Juneteenth Celebrations in Greater Philadelphia for 2022
- The Juneteenth Foundation
How You Can Support the Black Community
There is strength in numbers. Here are two resources to help you show solidarity and provide support to the black community:
- Ways to celebrate and serve Juneteenth
- 5 ways to celebrate Juneteenth in 2022, including Black-owned brands to support, causes to donate to, and destinations to visit
We wish you all a safe holiday as we celebrate living history and create powerful traditions, together.