Juneteenth Celebrates Freedom

In 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation declared that all enslaved people in Confederate States were legally free. But word traveled slowly during the Civil War. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865—more than two months after the war ended—that the good news finally reached Galveston, Texas. From that moment forward, June 19 became a day to celebrate freedom—first in Texas and then across the country. How did Juneteenth develop over time, and what is the holiday’s enduring legacy? Find out in an ea...