Before Juneteenth became a national holiday, Black people have been commemorating the end of slavery in the United States for generations.
Fact checked by Karen Cilli
Key Takeaways
- Juneteenth commemorates the abolishment of slavery in the United States.
- Juneteenth became a national holiday in 2021, though it has been celebrated by Black communities across the country for decades.
- Black families in the U.S. celebrate the holiday differently—some have big family traditions, while others honor it more intimately.
While Juneteenth became a Texas state holiday in 1980 and has been celebrated by Black communities across the United States for years, it wasn’t until 2021 that it became a national holiday. President Biden signed official legislation following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor that catalyzed demands for justice and equity worldwide.
A combination of “June” and “nineteenth,” Juneteenth is the yearly celebration of the abolition of slavery in the United States. It means different things to Black families across the U.S., which has inspired a diversity of traditions and celebrations. While some Black families enjoy large events, others honor the day with something more intimate. Regardless of what each person does, they recognize Black autonomy—while also knowing there’s still progress to be made.
Parents spoke with Black families across the United States to learn how they celebrate Juneteenth. Here’s what they had to share.
Juneteenth Traditions Across the Country
Carl Kemp, chief communications officer of Environmental Affairs for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, founded the Long Beach, CA Juneteenth Celebration in 2021. The celebration has run every year since and includes performances, art, dancing, and more. However, Kemp is no stranger to celebrating Juneteenth and has planned events for it since 2017. He explained that it started with “putting up the Pan African flag with our American flag, having a few friends over, listening to good Black music—everything from Nina Simone and John Coltrane to H.E.R and Anderson .Paak.” Kemp’s wife, who is Mexican, would cook a traditional Black meal, including “shrimp and grits,” and they’d have fireworks. For Kemp, it’s a chance to bring the community together. Yet, many still aren’t as familiar with the holiday as others…