Juneteenth: Discovering the historical celebration that’s now a federal holiday.

On June 19, 1865, slaves in Galveston, Texas received the news of their freedom from President Abraham Lincoln. Today, this day is celebrated as a holiday known as America’s “Second Independence Day.”

Three years after its designation as a federal holiday, Juneteenth 2024 stands as a day of celebration and education.

Known as “Second Independence Day,” this federal holiday commemorates the moment when the last African American slaves were informed of their freedom from their masters, according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Dr. Tim Goler, a professor of urban affairs and sociology at Norfolk State University and director of research for the Center for African American Public Policy, emphasized to USA TODAY that Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day,” highlights the cultural richness that everyone should embrace and participate in.

Juneteenth traces its roots to June 19, 1865, over two years following President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. It was on this day that Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, declaring the end of the Civil War and the liberation of enslaved African Americans, as explained by Goler.

“This delay in enforcing emancipation in Texas occurred until this general arrived,” Goler explained. “Juneteenth then became a significant symbol of freedom and the enduring struggle for civil rights.”

In June 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate passed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. President Joe Biden signed the bill into law on June 17, 2021, officially establishing the day as a federal holiday.

Here’s what you should know about Juneteenth.

Black History: Juneteenth solidifying its place in the fabric of the US.

While Juneteenth is increasingly entering discussions on Black History, there was a period when Black History, particularly among historians, was not widely taught in educational systems, noted Dr. Alan Singer, a professor at Hofstra University specializing in teaching, learning, and technology, with a focus on the history of slavery and racism.

“I didn’t learn about it until I was an adult, really in the 1990s, when I started studying more as a teacher so I could incorporate it into my lessons,” he recalled. “During my time at City College in the 1960s, they introduced a course called ‘American Negro History,’ which was my first exposure to these topics. I enrolled because I became politically active and needed to understand more about African American civil rights struggles.”

Singer also noted that despite attending high school during the Civil Rights Movement, Black History was not part of the curriculum. Motivated to make a difference, he dedicated himself to further educating himself to better inform his students.

“As a teacher, I felt a profound responsibility to present a more accurate portrayal of United States history,” he emphasized.

Goler noted that Juneteenth has long been acknowledged within the Black community and its historical context. Now, the day has garnered broader public awareness.

“Juneteenth has increasingly gained recognition in recent years. It wasn’t until 2021 that it became designated as a federal holiday,” he explained. “Many Black individuals and communities across the nation have celebrated Juneteenth for years. Its visibility and recognition are expanding significantly.”

Since Juneteenth became a federal holiday, numerous retailers have introduced Juneteenth-themed clothing, footwear, hats, and other merchandise.

“The real question is, ‘who gains from the commercialization of Juneteenth?’ I would hope to see more African American and Black-owned businesses benefiting,” Goler remarked. “With the trend towards commercialization, there’s a risk of overshadowing the historical significance and the ongoing fight for racial equality that Juneteenth embodies.”

Singer advocates for companies selling Juneteenth products to also promote greater inclusivity.

“What I’m suggesting is that we use Juneteenth as a springboard to build a more equitable society,” he emphasized. “It shouldn’t just be about the past; it must be about shaping our future.”

Goler hopes that the holiday will unite everyone while also educating them about this significant day in Black History.

“As we commemorate Juneteenth, it’s crucial to emphasize education, reflection, and community engagement, ensuring the day serves as a poignant reminder of our ongoing struggle for freedom and justice,” he stated.