Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19th, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and honors African American freedom, resilience and achievement. The holiday traces its origins to June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved people were free — more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.
The name “Juneteenth” combines “June” and “nineteenth,” and the day has long been recognized as an important celebration within Black communities across the country. In 2021, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday in the United States, marking a significant moment in recognizing the nation’s history and ongoing pursuit of equality.
Juneteenth celebrations often include community gatherings, parades, music, educational events, storytelling and cultural performances. Many families and organizations also use the day as an opportunity for reflection, service and conversations about history, civil rights and social progress.
Today, Juneteenth is both a celebration and a reminder — celebrating freedom while acknowledging the importance of continued learning, inclusion and unity. Wisconsin Center District will be closed in honor of the holiday.
The name “Juneteenth” combines “June” and “nineteenth,” and the day has long been recognized as an important celebration within Black communities across the country. In 2021, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday in the United States, marking a significant moment in recognizing the nation’s history and ongoing pursuit of equality.
Juneteenth celebrations often include community gatherings, parades, music, educational events, storytelling and cultural performances. Many families and organizations also use the day as an opportunity for reflection, service and conversations about history, civil rights and social progress.
Today, Juneteenth is both a celebration and a reminder — celebrating freedom while acknowledging the importance of continued learning, inclusion and unity. Wisconsin Center District will be closed in honor of the holiday.
Ways to Celebrate
Ways to Celebrate