06/19/2026
Celebrating Juneteenth! Did you know that Juneteenth became a federal U.S. holiday in 2021, even though Texas has recognized it as a state holiday since 1980? On June 19, 1865, Army Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of the Civil War and the emancipation of more than three million enslaved people. This historic moment came more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued and marked a significant milestone in our nation’s history.
Today, Juneteenth serves as a time to reflect, learn, and celebrate the strength, contributions, and rich cultural heritage of African Americans. It is also an opportunity to come together as communities, honoring the values of freedom, dignity, respect, and inclusion that continue to shape our future.
We encourage everyone to celebrate Juneteenth with family, friends, and neighbors by participating in prayer and religious services, educational programs, community events, cultural celebrations, speeches, or family picnics. By learning from our shared history and celebrating the progress that has been made, we can continue building stronger, more connected communities for generations to come.
