Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when news that slavery had been abolished reached Galveston, Texas, two years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. The freed people of Galveston erupted into celebrations that day.

Today, the joyful occasion is honored with barbecues, parades and parties. It is also a time to consider America's grim past and ask ourselves how to move forward.

Our stories, over the years, have done both. Here's a look at Juneteenth coverage by NorthJersey.com. We begin with two stories about this year's local events, then dive into our archives.

Enjoy the reads.

Juneteenth observances will be held across North Jersey. Here's our list of events

Those wanting to recognize Juneteenth can do so at various events, from a festival in Bloomfield to a silent walk from Hackensack to Teaneck. All events listed are free to the public. Read it: Juneteeth events.

Local group brings Bergenfield cemetery site back to life for Juneteenth weekend event

A rededication of the African American Baptist Church Cemetery, on Cedar Street, will take place on Saturday at 11 a.m. The ceremony will include remarks from local officials and laying of flowers at the site, followed by a luncheon at the Bergenfield Museum at 100 Cooper St. Read it: Cemetery rededication.

Why NJ celebrates Juneteenth on a Friday

This year, Juneteenth falls on a Monday but New Jersey doesn't celebrate the holiday on the exact day. Instead, the state celebrates it on the third Friday of June. Why does New Jersey celebrate Juneteenth on Friday? Read it: Why on Friday instead of June 19?

Juneteenth is our newest national holiday

"Juneteenth" — June 19 — was unanimously voted a federal holiday by the Senate in 2021. The measure to pass a Juneteenth National Independence Day passed the House by a large margin Wednesday. On Thursday afternoon, President Joe Biden signed it into law. Read it: Meet your new holiday.

What is Juneteenth? About the holiday commemorating the end of slavery

“The history of Juneteenth is a bit confusing,” said Leslie Wilson, associate dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Montclair State University. “The real history of the end of the Civil War is what makes it unusual.” Learn the history of Juneteenth and the symbolism behind its celebrations, from red food to laughing barrels. Read it: How did Juneteenth come about?

What is the price of Juneteenth? It's not for sale, say its champions

Juneteenth has been a national holiday for just one year. But when it comes to commercialization — trivialization — it's already as American as Christmas. Step right up! Get your merch! Here is some of what's for sale, online, to mark the June 19 observance that honors the freeing of the last Americans kept as slaves, in 1865. Juneteenth running shoes: $59.99. Juneteenth water bottle: $3.49. Juneteenth T-shirt: $24.99. Juneteenth baseball cap: $5.99. Men's Celebrate Juneteenth necklace: $39. Juneteenth wristwatch: $165. Juneteenth hoodie: $47.95. Juneteenth lapel pin: $2.39. Juneteenth silicone bracelets: package of 10, $12.99. Juneteenth hand fans — package of 25, $19.95. Read it: The commercialization of Juneteenth.

Social media empowers a generation of Americans about Juneteenth, Black history

Posting about Juneteenth on TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other social platforms places storytelling in the hands — or fingers — of Black people, many of whom the descendants of enslaved Africans. There, they express realized freedoms and liberations they feel have yet to be attained. Read it: Social media and Juneteenth.

Could Election Day and Indigenous Peoples Day be the next national holidays?

Pushes for both moved to the forefront in 2020 in the wake of heightened calls for social justice and increased accessibility to voting. Like the path to Juneteenth, the drive for these days to become nationwide holidays has been anything but a picnic. Read it: What holidays could be next?

OPINION

Closing NJ's racial wealth gap is the path to financial freedom

Juneteenth, a day of commemoration for the freedom of Black Americans, serves as a poignant reminder that we must actively pursue the expansion of economic opportunities, enabling us to thrive and build wealth, thus attaining true financial freedom. Read it: Racial wealth gap.

How can we empower Black NJ residents so they can thrive?

On Juneteenth, the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice will launch the first-of-its-kind council to finally confront and repair our often overlooked history of slavery and its lasting impact on the contemporary life of Black New Jersey residents. Read it: Reparations for Black NJ residents.

It's Juneteenth. Let's remember the Emancipation Proclamation

To honor Juneteenth, we present President Abraham's Emancipation Proclamation, which set in motion the end of slavery in the United States. Read it: the Emancipation Proclamation is here.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Juneteenth in North Jersey: Everything you need to know