On June 19, 1865, Union forces arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved people were free under the Emancipation Proclamation. Many enslaved Texans had not known about the proclamation for over two years. The announcement sparked celebrations and the beginnings of Juneteenth traditions. The day became an important cultural and historical milestone for African Americans. It symbolizes freedom, resilience, and the struggle for equality. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021.
