Juneteenth 2023: What the Holiday Represents and How to Celebrate
etonline.comJuneteenth is just around the corner. The holiday -- named for and celebrated on June 19 -- commemorates the true ending of slavery in the United States. (You'll note it is not Jan.
1, the date of President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. More on that below.) From its celebratory roots in churches across Texas to the impassioned protests of the last year, Juneteenth has come a long way with finally being recognized as an official holiday, and even retailers like Amazon have recognized Black-Owned Businesses.
After a unanimous vote, the House passed legislation that establishes June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day, with President Joe Biden signing the bill into law on June 17, 2021, recognizing Juneteenth as an official federal holiday.That year's Juneteenth received high-profile recognition via which aired on ABC and was hosted by Leslie Odom Jr.
The special included performances by Jimmie Allen, Chlöe Bailey (of Chloe x Halle) and Leon Bridges.In 2022, CNN exclusively broadcasted featuring appearances by Yolanda Adams, Billy Porter, Jhene Aiko, Earth, Wind & Fire and more.
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