Every June 19, more and more Americans celebrate Juneteenth to honor the end of slavery in the United States.
Juneteenth began in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, the date when Union forces finally occupied the state and announced that emancipation had become law two and a half years earlier.
Despite the Emancipation Proclamation going into effect on Jan. 1, 1863, slavery remained a reality across much of the Confederacy until Union troops arrived to enforce U.S. law. Slavery in the United States was ultimately declared not just illegal but unconstitutional with the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution on Dec. 6, 1865.
Amidst this complicated history, the Texas tradition of Juneteenth has grown in popularity across America as a single date to celebrate the end of the horrors of slavery. Summer is the perfect time for families and communities to gather and commemorate the occasion with food, music, dance, speeches, and rejoice in rebirth of hope.
Hundreds of families honoring loved ones’ life stories in their obituaries have pointed to their participation in Juneteenth celebrations over the years as some of their most precious and meaningful memories.
Mort Künstler (1927–2025), acclaimed historical artistÂ
Daniel Smith (1932–2022), last known living child of an enslaved American
