Juneteenth is a United States holiday celebrated annually on June 19th. It commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. The holiday marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863. This announcement was made by Union General Gordon Granger when he arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. Juneteenth, a combination of "June" and "nineteenth," is also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Black Independence Day, or Juneteenth Independence Day. It is considered one of the oldest continuing African American holidays and has been called "America's second Independence Day." The holiday became a federal holiday in the United States on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed legislation into law. Celebrations often include prayer, religious services, speeches, educational events, family gatherings, picnics, festivals with music and dance, and the consumption of red foods and drinks, which symbolize resilience and joy. Juneteenth's significance lies not only in marking the legal end of slavery but also in celebrating African American culture, resilience, and achievements. It is observed across the U.S. and beyond, with a focus on education, commemoration, and cultural celebration. The Juneteenth flag, featuring red, white, and blue colors and symbolic imagery, represents the freedom and new beginnings for Black Americans.