Juneteenth, observed June 19th, is a significant holiday in American history, symbolizing the end of slavery and the enduring struggle for freedom and equality. Officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, this holiday commemorates the day in 1865 when Major General Gordan Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
The history of Juneteenth traces back to June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers landed in Galveston with news that the Civil War had ended and those enslaved were now free. This was a profound moment for Texas as the news came two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. The arrival of Granger’s troops marked the final enforcement of the executive order, symbolizing the end of legalized slavery in the United States.
Juneteenth is celebrated in various ways across the United States, with communities celebrating with festivities like parades and festivals, educational events, art and music, and family gatherings. We can celebrate Juneteenth and demonstrate Argonne’s Core Values of RESPECT for our African American coworkers and their contributions to the nation; IMPACT on the relationships between African Americans and other ethnic groups in fostering a more inclusive environment; and TEAMWORK as we work to build alliances across communities and with one another. By Keva Gildon, Employee Relations
We would like to share the following two videos about the origins of Juneteenth and why this now a federal holiday.
Select the link below to learn about Juneteenth celebrations events happening around Chicago: Juneteenth 2024 Celebration Events | Diversity & Inclusion | The University of Chicago (uchicago.edu)
