In June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were told they were free, released from a lifetime of bondage. A century and a half later, people in cities and towns across the U.S. continue to celebrate the occasion. Juneteenth, an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, has been celebrated by African Americans since the late 1800s.
But history, as always, is more complicated than that.
Although President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation ending slavery in the Confederacy in 1863, many southerners sought to evade the executive order by moving enslaved people to Texas, the most Western of the slaveholding states. However, Union troops pursued them, arriving in Galveston in the summer of 1865, finally freeing more than 250,000 Black Americans. Enslaved people were then formally emancipated, and slavery officially abolished by the 13th Amendment in December 1865.
Juneteenth, also known as “Jubilee Day,” is sometimes referred to as America’s true Independence Day, since July 4, 2026 symbolizes liberty and justice for only some Americans, not all. This sentiment is deftly captured in Frederick Douglass’ 1852 speech, “The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro,” in which he wrote, “This Fourth July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn.”
In June of 2021, Congress passed legislation to establish Juneteenth National Independence Day as a U.S. federal holiday, and every state but South Dakota recognizes it as a state or ceremonial holiday.
When we advocate for change for one group or point of view, it affects us all, creating a more inclusive environment for everybody. At the same time, we should recognize what we’ve always known in our hearts: people have multiple identities, ones that are not necessarily based on race or gender but also sexual orientation — even backgrounds and interests, such as being a veteran, an immigrant, an artist, or, yes, a fitness enthusiast. June is also Pride Month in the U.S., a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The work of racial equity and inclusion never ends. But the more we recognize and truly celebrate holidays like Juneteenth as unifying opportunities the further we can travel on this necessary journey. Step by step.
Local Activities
Chapel Hill-Carrboro Juneteenth Celebration
June 17, 2026
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Hargraves Community Center
Celebrate Black community and culture with live performances, Black-owned small business and non-profit expos, kids activities, food trucks, and more. More information coming soon.
