Here in America, there are many various holidays that we commemorate and celebrate. These federal holidays mean a lot to us; they make us proud. These are the holidays we read about in textbooks, especially Independence Day which occurred on July 4th, 1776, when the American colonies declared freedom from Great Britain’s rule. However there is another “Independence Day” that is less known by non-people of color.
For African-Americans especially, Juneteenth is more than a federal holiday; it is a celebration of freedom.
Juneteenth 1865 is a day forever etched in the hearts of the descendants of slaves. The history of Juneteenth is not only rich, but attests to the endurance and inner strength of the enslaved. On this day, June the 19th, 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to ensure that all enslaved people from that state be freed immediately. This declaration arrived nearly three years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, as a federal holiday, Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in America, and is considered to be the longest lasting black American holiday. On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth officially became an official federal holiday.
This upcoming Juneteenth will occur on Thursday 19th, 2025.
While Juneteenth originated in Texas, it is still celebrated in other states, even right here in Frederick, Maryland. After the Civil War, residents held annual Juneteenth celebrations held by the Emancipation Association in honor of the end of slavery in Maryland. Today in Frederick, Juneteenth is still a very important celebration for the African-American community. Currently, there are many events and festivals celebrating Juneteenth.
This year, there will be a fourth annual Community Day on Sunday, June 22, 2025 by the Delta Theta Sigma Alumnae Chapter. This event will take place at 1 P.M. at Carroll Creek. In addition, the Monocacy National Battlefield will be hosting an interactive guided hike centered around the route of enslaved people to freedom. There will also be an Alive @ 5 on Thursday the 19th, featuring guest performances such as Ahzay & The Squad, and a Juneteenth commemoration by the African American Cultural Heritage Society of Frederick County.
The community is encouraged to participate in these upcoming Juneteenth events. Celebrate the freedom of our ancestors. Freedom for one means freedom for all.