Learn more about Juneteenth celebrations
Juneteenth, also known as Jubilee Day and Black Independence Day, is a national holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
It was first celebrated in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1866, one year after the last group of enslaved people in Confederate states were notified of the legal end of slavery. Enslaved people in Texas were notified of their freedom on June 19, 1865, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.
While Juneteenth has been celebrated for years by African Americans, it was recognized as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. Some Juneteenth celebrations include rodeos, street fairs, cookouts, family reunions, park parties, historical reenactments, and Miss Juneteenth contests. Please view the resources below to learn more about Juneteenth celebrations:
- Juneteenth: A Celebration of Resilience (National Museum of African American History and Culture)
- What is Juneteenth? (PBS)
- Clint Smith on Juneteenth and Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America (Democracy Now!)
Juneteenth events in Athens
The Athens Juneteenth Collective invites you to acknowledge, celebrate, and honor Juneteenth by joining in a community-led, community-wide celebration called 19 Days of Juneteenth.
19 Day of Juneteenth is organized by a group of local community members and Athens-Clarke County (ACC) organization leaders and is funded by the Athens-Clarke County mayor and commission. The Leisure Services Department and Inclusion Office are offering administrative support and planning.
Please visit ACC’s website for the history of Juneteenth and a list of local events.