Juneteenth Day

Juneteenth is the day marking the freedom of African Americans on June 19, 1865. The announcement was made in Galveston, Texas as per the orders of Abraham Lincoln after the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. The Union General, Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to make the African- Americans about their freedom and the end of the civil war.

Emancipation Proclamation was declared on January 1, 1983, by Abraham Lincoln. However, the information reached African-Americans two and a half years later on June 19, 1865. Since then, this day is marked as the Juneteenth day.

The day is commonly known by various names as Juneteenth National Independence Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Black Independence Day. 

Being in slavery for more than 200 years, this declaration of freedom on Juneteenth day inspired the African-Americans to recreate their lives as they want with equality and liberty. The day had been celebrated by offering prayers and organizing family get-togethers. Some descendants whose families were slaved also go on the annual pilgrimage to Galveston. 

African Americans associate this day with themselves as a matter of pride. Some people like to celebrate this in the backyard of their house in which food, singing, and prayers are an integral part. In places like Washington and Atlanta, celebrations are made grand by organizing parades and festivals including singing and dancing with residents.