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Juneteenth: An American celebration of freedom
June 11, 2024 — President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, declaring, “all persons held as slaves” within rebellious states “are, and henceforth shall be free.” However, it took 2 1/2 years for the word to reach Texas, the last bastion of Confederate power. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865, when U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger announced General Order No. 3 in Galveston, Texas when more than 250,000 enslaved people were finally free... MORE

Opal Lee: Inspiring champion of Juneteenth
June 15, 2023 — Opal Lee, a tireless advocate and community leader, has played a pivotal role in raising awareness and advancing the recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday in the United States... MORE

An artiist's conception of Opal Lee wearing a colorful, traditional African dress

Juneteenth: Celebrating freedom and commemorating Black history
June 13, 2023 — Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, declared freedom for enslaved people in Confederate states. However, it took over two years for the news to reach enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas. ... MORE

The word Juneteenth overlaid on top of a civil rights event in black and white

Air Force leaders issue Juneteenth 2022 message
June 16, 2022 — Air Force leadership issues letter to force about Juneteenth... MORE

Juneteenth (a blending of the words June and nineteenth) is the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in the United States.

Commentary: Juneteenth is more than Texas history. It is American history.
June 15, 2022 — Many may ask what the significance of Juneteenth is and to me, as a native Texan and as an American from African descent, it signifies progress and freedom. Juneteenth provided a new beginning for those enslaved at the time and a future for their descendants. Juneteenth is not just Texas history, it is, American History... MORE