Juneteenth is officially a national independence day. It is a federal holiday here in the United States of America.

On this day, we commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Juneteenth derives its name from combining June and nineteenth together, and it is celebrated on the anniversary of the order that was issued by Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865.

On this day there was a proclamation for freedom for all slaves in the United States of America in Galveston, Texas. They were some of the last enslaved people to receive word of their freedom.

Juneteenth has since been observed annually in various parts of the United States, often celebrating African American culture. The day was first recognized as a federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. He signed this act into law long after the efforts of Lula Briggs Galloway, Opal Lee, and others.

We hope you celebrate this national holiday. Please share my video with people in your community so that everyone knows how important and meaningful this day is.

Happy Juneteenth,

Mia Hash Sloan

P.S. Looking for Juneteenth celebrations in your area?

Chapters will be tabling or hosting events in many places including Christiansburg, Eastern Shore, Hampton, Newport News, Pulaski, Richmond, and Big Stone Gap in Wise County. The Wise County Chapter will also be signing their charter to become an official chapter of Virginia Organizing at the celebration. Stop by and say hi!