Juneteenth, a combination of the words June (June) and nineteenth (nineteen), is the oldest holiday in the United States that commemorates the end of slavery. It's Emancipation Day.
And this year marks the second time Juneteenth, June 19, has been observed as a federal holiday, kicking off a week of festivities commemorating the end of slavery in America and the ongoing fight for fairness and justice.
The federal holiday
Although Juneteenth has been celebrated by many black communities in the US for many years, it was not until June 2021 that it became a federal holiday .
"I'm sorry my grandchildren are not here, because this is a very, very, very important moment in our history. By making June 19 a federal holiday, all Americans can feel the power of this day and learn from our history, and celebrate, progress and deal with the distance we've come (and) the distance we have to go," President Joe Biden said as he established June 19 as Emancipation Day.
Currently, all 50 states and the city of Washington (the District of Columbia) recognize June 19 as a holiday or observance, and at least 18 states have enacted laws as a paid state holiday.
These are the states where Juneteenth is observed as a permanently paid state holiday :
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Georgia
Illinois (If June 19 falls on a weekend, Illinois does not make the Friday before or the Monday after it a paid holiday)
Louisiana
Maine
Massachusetts
Maryland
Nebraska
New Jersey
NY
Ohio
Oregon
Dakota del Sur
Texas
Virginia
Washington (state)
Juneteenth is the first federal holiday established since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983 and is the eleventh federal holiday recognized by the United States federal government.
Juneteenth celebrations
For many, this Juneteenth represents a time to reconnect with loved ones and the activities they once enjoyed before COVID-19.
For example, on June 19 CNN will broadcast an inaugural event live from the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles at 8:00 pm (ET): Juneteenth: A Global Celebration for Freedom . The event, produced by Shawn Gee of Live Nation Urban and Jesse Collins Entertainment, will celebrate June 16 and highlight the ongoing fight for equality in the black community.
During CNN's pre-show coverage, CNN's Don Lemon will honor Black artists and advocates working to rectify inequality at 7:00 pm (ET). Amid the celebration, the event will also recognize the work that remains to be done in the fight against racial injustice.
"We knew it was important for our country and for our audience to shed light on the meaning and importance of Juneteenth," says Johnita Due, CNN's Senior Vice President and Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. "And not just as a historic event, but really as a way to engage and educate people about what still needs to happen for all of us to achieve freedom and justice."
Here are some other Juneteenth celebrations across the country:
- Denver, Colorado will play host to the Juneteenth Music Festival , which draws 50,000 people annually. Kicking off with a celebratory parade, the event will feature two days of live entertainment, parties and commerce from local vendors. Proceeds from the Juneteenth Music Festival will benefit the economic empowerment of youth and young adults.
- In Washington, artist and music mogul Pharrell Williams will host the "Something in the Water Festival" over the weekend of June 16. The 3-day festival will include performances by Pharrell, SZA, Anderson Paak and more.
- In New York City, the Tribeca Film Festival presents its Juneteenth Program to celebrate "Black Stories and Elevate the Voices of Black Storytellers." Featured content will include podcasts, music, talks, and movies. For those outside of New York City, the Tribeca Film Festival will also feature online offerings.
- The Juneteenth Foundation will kick off its slate of events with an inaugural Juneteenth Honors Awards ceremony that will highlight "black excellence, our history, and the achievements of African-American luminaries." The foundation will also host a celebrity golf tournament, a festival promoting black businesses and a virtual career fair. With the support of partner agencies, the foundation will also host a Father's Day - Juneteenth reception honoring African-American fathers. The event will take place at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington.
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