Federal holiday commemorates the end of slavery in U.S.

JUNETEENTH

Juneteenth, short for “June Nineteenth,” is the annual commemoration marking the end of slavery in the United States after the Civil War.

The holiday has long been celebrated by African Americans.

And on June 15, 2021, the Senate unanimously passed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, estab- lishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Legislators were spurred on by the Congressional Black Caucus among other advocates. The House of Representatives passed the act in a 415–14 vote on June 16.

Juneteenth marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. U.S. Gen. Gordon Granger stood on Texas soil and read General Orders 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.”

So wish someone a Happy Juneteenth on Monday, June 20, when the holiday will be observed.