On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced the end of slavery to more than 250,000 still-enslaved Black people.
The announcement came nearly two years after former President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.
As the westernmost Confederate state, Texas still maintained a stronghold on institutional slavery, requiring the physical presence of Union soldiers to enforce emancipation.
Galveston was their final stop, where they declared freedom, a moment that would go down in history.

The day came to be called Juneteenth, a portmanteau of the month and day.
However, Juneteenth, sometimes referred to as America’s second Independence Day, did not mark a straightforward path to complete freedom.
Slavery was not officially abolished in the U.S. until December 6, 1865, when the 13th Amendment was ratified, declaring that “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”

Since its inception, Juneteenth celebrations have been curated by and for members of the Black community, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of the date’s historical significance.
The first Juneteenth, or “Jubilee,” is believed to have taken place in Galveston in 1866 in honor of the initial 1865 announcement.
Throughout the Jim Crow and Civil Rights eras, Juneteenth celebrations continued despite dangerous and restrictive conditions. Due to segregation laws, African Americans were banned from holding large public gatherings.
People would instead gather in churches to hear sermons focused on the holiday’s importance or host intimate house parties where community mobilization and progress were key topics of discussion.
Today, these celebrations have evolved to include a wide range of educational events, programs, community gatherings and concerts.

In 2021, Juneteenth was designated an official federal holiday. The nationwide recognition not only increased support and participation in Juneteenth events but also affirmed the contributions and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history.
While the holiday remains nationally recognized, inadequate education, disinvestment, political polarization and cultural division currently threaten its legacy. Still, many cities continue to keep it alive with meaningful celebrations.

Here are a few Juneteenth celebrations around the nation that honor the true meaning of the day.

Oakland celebrates Juneteenth with the Hella Juneteenth Festival at the Oakland Museum of California on June 19 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The celebration brings together live music across two stages, interactive art and tech installations and a curated cookout plate showcasing top Black chefs and restaurants. Attendees can also explore a marketplace of Black-owned vendors, enjoy family-friendly lawn games or opt for a VIP experience with exclusive drink tastings and premium access.

Experience the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute’s historic galleries with free admission all day on Juneteenth, offered in the spirit of freedom and reflection. Explore powerful exhibits that share the stories of those who fought for civil rights and the legacy that continues today. Throughout the day, enjoy special activities including educational seminars with local historians, a kid’s zone with hands-on S.T.R.E.A.M. activities and food trucks serving up delicious local flavors. Guests can also participate in mural painting with local artists and studios and join in line dancing during a live broadcast from the city’s largest radio stations. Birmingham is also welcoming guests to Rickwood Field, which will host the 2025 East-West Classic—a special Juneteenth event featuring MLB legends like CC Sabathia, Ryan Howard and Adam Jones. Rickwood Field is the oldest professional baseball stadium in the U.S. and was home to the Birmingham Black Barons, one of the original teams in the Negro Southern League.

Cincinnati's annual citywide Juneteenth celebrations reflect the city's deep commitment to honoring the holiday. The festivities kick off with the 38th Annual Juneteenth Festival in Eden Park, a free family-friendly weekend featuring a parade of flags representing the African diaspora, two stages of live music spanning blues, jazz, R&B and more, children's activities, historical reenactments, art, health screenings and diverse food vendors. On June 19, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center hosts the Juneteenth Jubilee, offering live performances, a Community Market, food trucks and free museum admission. The city's largest Juneteenth Block Party returns to The Banks on June 21, featuring the Homecoming Experience which honors Black fraternities and sororities.

Tulsa, Oklahoma transforms the historic Greenwood District—home of Black Wall Street—into a multi-day festival honoring freedom, unity and community legacy with its “Family Reunion” themed Juneteenth festivities. Events include a 1-mile and 5K Run/Walk through Greenwood’s iconic streets, a range of family-friendly activities, live music, cultural performances and storytelling that connect generations and celebrate the resilient spirit of North Tulsa. Keeping with the spirit of Black Wall Street, event-goers can also partake in panel discussions on real estate investment, learn about programs to assist first-time homebuyers and enjoy a networking brunch for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Milwaukee’s 2025 Juneteenth Summerfest celebration will mark 54 years of history and community pride with events celebrating progress and honoring the past. The festivities will include parades, live music, dance performances and educational workshops. A special opening ceremony featuring community leaders and recognition of Juneteenth scholarship recipients like Ms. Juneteenth and Mr. Juneteenth. A new event, “A Taste of Juneteenth,” will highlight beloved restaurants in the city including Atwood Hwy BBQ Company, Dear Florence Sweets and Glad’s Kitchen. Live music can be seen across multiple stages with dedicated performances by national and local artists including Gary Clark Jr., Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and The Isley Brothers.

Charleston, South Carolina's annual Lowcountry Juneteenth Week, or J19, returns for its fifth year uplifting Black culture and the unique Gullah Geechee heritage. Highlights include the lively J19 Week Block Party with music, games and vendors. The “Hey Cousin” Lowcountry Juneteenth Weekend Cookout at Hanahan Amphitheater offers a "family reunion-style" atmosphere with live entertainment from acclaimed native DJ Chuck T, traditional Lowcountry cuisine and community connection. Throughout the week, attendees can enjoy educational programs, workshops dissecting Gullah Geechee culture, art exhibits and other performances.

Columbia's month-long Juneteenth celebration is a rich blend of music, food, education and community engagement. Festivity highlights include the Juneteenth Gospel Fest at Stephens Lake Park and the “Juneteenth Journey: Honoring Survivors, Empowering Voices” event at Friendship MB Church. On Juneteenth, the city hosts major gatherings including a celebration and luncheon at Douglass Park and the Powerhouse Annual Juneteenth Event at Cosmo Park alongside cultural programs like “Let Freedom Ring.” The CoMo Juneteenth Parade through downtown and the St. Paul Juneteenth Legacy event mark the end of the celebrations on June 21.

The historic Madam Walker Legacy Center is a cornerstone of Indianapolis, Indiana's Juneteenth celebrations. Legacy Fest 2025 honors the entrepreneurial spirit and impact of Madam CJ Walker with events focused on enrichment, fundraising, community and empowerment. The festival opens with the highly anticipated Legacy Fest Benefit Concert on June 20, headlined by the legendary Isley Brothers, serving as both a major cultural event and a fundraiser supporting the Center’s mission in entrepreneurship, education and the arts. On June 21, the festivities continue with the free Legacy Fest Block Party featuring live musical performances, food trucks, local vendors and activities.