Juneteenth History Explained: What It Is and Why It Matters

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. But most people — even many Americans — don't know the full story of why it's celebrated on June 19.

Here's the complete history.

What Happened on June 19, 1865?

On June 19, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, 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 was two and a half years after President Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. The news had been deliberately suppressed in Texas — slaveholders had kept their enslaved people in bondage long after they were legally free.

June 19 — Juneteenth — marks the day the last enslaved people in the USA learned they were free.

Why Galveston, Texas?

Texas was the most remote Confederate state. It was far from the main battlefields of the Civil War. Many slaveholders had moved their enslaved people to Texas specifically to keep them away from Union forces and the news of emancipation.

Galveston was the largest city in Texas at the time and the main port. It was where General Granger landed with his troops. The announcement spread from Galveston across Texas and then across the country.

The First Juneteenth Celebrations

The first Juneteenth celebrations were held in Texas in 1866 — one year after emancipation. Freed Black Texans gathered to pray, sing, eat, and celebrate their freedom. They wore their finest clothes. They read the Emancipation Proclamation aloud. They celebrated with music and dancing.

The tradition spread across the USA as Black Texans migrated north and west during the Great Migration. By the 20th century, Juneteenth was celebrated in Black communities across the country.

Juneteenth as a Federal Holiday

On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, making June 19 a federal holiday. It was the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983.

Juneteenth at Afropop Socks

Afropop Socks has dedicated pages and designs for Juneteenth celebrations across the USA — from Galveston, Texas (where it all began) to Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and cities across the country. Every pair comes with a cultural story card.

Stocked at the Smithsonian NMAAHC in Washington DC — the most important African American cultural institution in the world.

Wear your cultural heritage every day.
Shop Afropop Socks — From £8 →
Stocked at Smithsonian NMAAHC · Tate Modern · V&A Museum · MoMA