What's Juneteenth? Everything to know about holiday celebrating end of slavery in the US

Keely Brown, Cincinnati Enquirer
·4 min read
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Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in the United States, is observed every year on June 19. Americans will recognize the holiday on a Sunday in 2022.

It is celebrated on June 19 because that is the day the news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, in 1865.

President Joe Biden signed legislation establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021. It is the first new federal holiday established since Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday was approved in 1983.

'African American history is American history': Black Ohio lawmakers commemorate Juneteenth

Here's everything you need to know about Juneteenth:

Delle Dixie of Clifton watches a member of the Cincinnati Circus Company perform during The Annual in the Street on Juneteenth Block Party, Friday, June 18, 2021, at the DORA District at Freedom Way in Downtown. The Block Party was sponsored by AGAR and Paloozanoire.
Delle Dixie of Clifton watches a member of the Cincinnati Circus Company perform during The Annual in the Street on Juneteenth Block Party, Friday, June 18, 2021, at the DORA District at Freedom Way in Downtown. The Block Party was sponsored by AGAR and Paloozanoire.

What is Juneteenth? Why is it important? History of the holiday

On June 19, 1865, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger and Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas. With them, they brought news that the American Civil War had ended and enslaved people were now free.

'A celebration and a history lesson': Here's why people are celebrating Juneteenth

It took 2½ years for the news to spread to the Lone Star State after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation became official on Jan. 1, 1863. The 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865, freed enslaved people throughout the country.

When will Juneteenth be celebrated in 2022?

Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19 every year. In 2022, the day falls on a Sunday.

Recent news: Cincinnati Public Schools recognizes Juneteenth as official holiday

The holiday is celebrated on this date because June 19 is the day the news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, in 1865.

Fireworks were set off on High St. during a celebration of Juneteenth in front of the Statehouse, Friday, June 19, 2020. Demonstrators, blocked off High St. at Broad and State streets. "Juneteenth 2020, were making history!" DJ Polomoe shouted over the mic. (Courtney Hergesheimer/Dispatch)
Fireworks were set off on High St. during a celebration of Juneteenth in front of the Statehouse, Friday, June 19, 2020. Demonstrators, blocked off High St. at Broad and State streets. "Juneteenth 2020, were making history!" DJ Polomoe shouted over the mic. (Courtney Hergesheimer/Dispatch)

Why is it called Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a combination of June and 19. The holiday is also known by a few other names, including "Jubilee Day," "Emancipation Day," "Freedom Day" and "Black Independence Day."

Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?

Yes. Juneteenth became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.

Watch: President Biden signs law marking Juneteenth as a federal holiday

Other federal holidays (and when they are observed in 2022) include:

  • New Year’s Day: Observed Friday, December 31

  • Martin Luther King Jr Day: Monday, January 17

  • President’s Day: Monday, February 21

  • Memorial Day: Monday, May 30

  • Juneteenth: Observed Monday, June 20

  • Independence Day: Monday, July 4

  • Labor Day: Monday, September 5

  • Indigenous Peoples’ Day/Columbus Day: Monday, October 10

  • Veterans’ Day: Friday, November 11

  • Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 24

  • Christmas Day: Observed Monday, December 26

President Joe Biden hands a pen to Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif, after signing the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, June 17, 2021, in Washington.
President Joe Biden hands a pen to Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif, after signing the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, June 17, 2021, in Washington.

Who voted against Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday?

Before President Joe Biden signed Senate Bill 475, or the "Juneteenth National Independence Day Act," into law, 14 House Republicans voted against the legislation.

A closer look: Who are the 14 House Republicans who voted against a Juneteenth holiday? And why?

No representatives from Ohio voted against Juneteenth becoming a holiday. The 14 "no" votes included were:

  • Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Ala.

  • Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz.

  • Rep. Scott DesJarlais, R-Tenn.

  • Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wis.

  • Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif.

  • Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala.

  • Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C.

  • Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas

  • Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz.

  • Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif.

  • Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont.

  • Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas

  • Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky.

  • Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga.

Are banks closed on Juneteenth?

Yes, banks close in recognition of Juneteenth.

A closer look: Are banks open on Juneteenth? How banks will operate on new federal holiday

However, because the holiday falls on a Sunday this year, the Federal Reserve Banks and the Board of Governors will be closed the next day, June 20, 2022.

The City of Cincinnati, for the first time in its history, raised the Juneteenth Flag, Friday, June 19, 2020, at City Hall in Cincinnati. Juneteenth commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States.
The City of Cincinnati, for the first time in its history, raised the Juneteenth Flag, Friday, June 19, 2020, at City Hall in Cincinnati. Juneteenth commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States.

Does Ohio recognize Juneteenth as a holiday?

Yes, Ohio observes Juneteenth.

Ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Ohio: Cincinnati's Juneteenth Block Party's secret to success? Community

After Biden signed federal legislation, the day was automatically recognized as a state holiday in Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine's office previously said.

Which states do not recognize Juneteenth?

All 50 states and Washington, D.C. have passed legislation recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday or observance.

South Dakota recently became the last state to recognize Juneteenth, according to a report from the Argus Leader.

Ray Kaigler, 6, dances in front of a group of people who came together to celebrate Juneteenth at a block party in front of the Statehouse, Friday, June 19, 2020. Demonstrators, blocked off High St. at Broad and State streets. "Juneteenth 2020, were making history!" DJ Polomoe shouted over the mic.
Ray Kaigler, 6, dances in front of a group of people who came together to celebrate Juneteenth at a block party in front of the Statehouse, Friday, June 19, 2020. Demonstrators, blocked off High St. at Broad and State streets. "Juneteenth 2020, were making history!" DJ Polomoe shouted over the mic.

How to celebrate Juneteenth in 2022

Juneteenth has grown since 1865. The holiday is now celebrated across the county with backyard barbeques, parades, festivals and more.

Things to do:  Juneteenth 2022 celebrations, events in Cincinnati

Things to do:  Juneteenth 2022 celebrations, events in Columbus

”Juneteenth today, celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures,” according to the holiday’s website.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Juneteenth 2022: Federal holiday celebrates end of slavery in US