Who Does Juneteenth Honor?
Understand who Juneteenth honors—freedom for enslaved people and African American resilience.
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Juneteenth honors the freedom of formerly enslaved people and the legacy of African American resilience, achievement, and community-building.
Freedom for Enslaved People
Juneteenth commemorates the enforcement of emancipation in Texas in 1865 and the broader end of slavery in the U.S.
Who Celebrates Juneteenth
Juneteenth is observed across the United States by individuals, families, communities, and institutions—open to everyone who wishes to commemorate freedom and history.
Federal Recognition
Since 2021, Juneteenth has been a federal holiday, with growing state-level observance and broader public participation.
FAQ
- Is Juneteenth only for Black people? No. It centers African American history but welcomes all who honor freedom and equality.
- Who is celebrated on Juneteenth? Formerly enslaved people and their descendants; the day recognizes liberation and resilience.