Juneteenth… What is it and why do we celebrate it?
Posted on Jun. 17, 2022 / Research / Subscribe 0
By Cynthia P. Weaver, PRSA Phoenix Board Member
The Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863, officially ending slavery in the U.S. However, the last slaves in the U.S. received news that they were free on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, TX. Juneteenth became a Federal holiday in 2021 to celebrate Freedom and Black culture. In 2022, communities across the nation are celebrating this holiday. Communications professionals can support Juneteenth by creating clear, concise, authentic messages about this holiday for their clients and employers. You can learn more about Juneteenth by reviewing the 5W’s outlined below and visiting the sources at the end of this article. Aside from attending festivals, people can observe the Juneteenth holiday by patronizing Black-owned businesses or having a Day of Service to support organizations within the African American community.
5 W’s of Juneteenth
Who: African American Community
What: Juneteenth National Independence Day celebrates the emancipation of the last African American slaves in the U.S. on June 19, 1865. This is the oldest African American holiday in the U.S., first celebrated in Galveston, Texas in 1866, a year after enslaved people in Texas were informed of their freedom. The holiday’s name is a combination of the month and day of the observance June 19, thus Juneteenth.
When: Federal holiday on Sunday, June 19, 2022, observed on Monday, June 20, 2022.
Where: Throughout the U.S., Federal offices and banks will be closed. Also observed as a paid state holiday in Texas (since 1980), Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia and Washington.
Why: To bring all Americans together to Celebrate Freedom and Black Culture to continue to strive for diversity, equity and inclusion throughout our communities.
Sources:
National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF) - PAJC (pajuneteenth.org)
Juneteenth Foundation – Celebrating Freedom and Black Culture (thejuneteenthfoundation.com)
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