06/19/2026
June 19, 1865.
Nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved African-Americans in Galveston, Texas, were told they were free.
One year later, freed slaves in Texas celebrated the first Juneteenth on June 19, and called it "Jubilee Day." On that day, a holiday and tradition was born to celebrate Black resilience and pride.
It was a milestone in the long struggle for freedom and justice.
Today we honor the freedom, the joy, the continuing fight for equality, and the community Juneteenth represents. We hope you do too.