Juneteenth (June 19) is both a time of celebration and reflection. In this Q&A, Assistant Vice President of Access, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Dr. Angela McNeil explores the holiday’s origins, cultural impact, and how communities continue to honor Black freedom and resilience today.

This Q&A has been slightly edited for clarity and length.

Q: Could you explain the significance of Juneteenth throughout history?

Juneteenth commemorates the day the last of those enslaved received the message that chattel slavery in America had ended. President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, officially ending slavery in America, on September 22, 1862, and ratified it on January 1, 1863. However, two and a half years later, hundreds of thousands of Africans in Confederate states were still in bondage. The Confederate states maintained slavery until the end of the Civil War and the surrender of General Robert E. Lee, April 9, 1865. On June 19, 1865, General Granger and his Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce and enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. Reading Order Number 3: “The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer.” This was monumental, and those enslaved were jubilant in hearing about their freedom. Immediately, many former enslaved persons traveled through the states seeking family members to start their lives under their newly freed status.   

Celebrations for emancipation were held throughout the states on different days due to the scaffolding of hearing the official word that slavery had ended. However, Galveston, Texas, celebrated its emancipation on June 19, one year after the initial announcement giving rise to Juneteenth (June + nineteenth). This day is commemorated in many fashions, ranging from family barbecues to local parades and other cultural festivities internationally. 

Spearheaded by Opel Lee, a retired teacher, counselor, and activist, who is also known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” Juneteenth became a national holiday in 2021, signed into law by President Joe Biden.

Q: What do you think the impact of Juneteenth is today?

It is important to recognize that Black History is American History. Slavery in America has shaped the foundational laws and the societal attitudes of people in the United States and in the world for generations. It is important today because it serves as a reminder to the world of the resilience of Black people who continue to overcome systemic barriers, who have continued to contribute significantly to America in significant ways through groundbreaking inventions, medical advancement (Garrett Morgan, Stop Light), innovative technology (Gladys West served on the engineering team that led to the invention to the GPS), literature (Prolific writer, playwright orator, James Baldwin), transformative contributions to music (Jazz and Hip Hop), fashion and more.

Q: Why is it important to understand and recognize the history behind this holiday?

Holidays provide the country and the world with the opportunity to reflect on the profound meaning behind them. It illuminates how far we have come and reminds us of how there is more to do in creating equality in the world where Black people can be judged by their character and not by the color of their skin. 

Black history is inextricably linked to and cannot be erased from American history. Therefore, it cannot be relegated to one day of the year. We have to grapple with the complexities of our history, never forgetting the injustices endured and the ongoing struggle for equality. As a national holiday, Juneteenth demonstrates how we as Americans can continue to rise from our dark past and illuminate hope for the future.

Q: How would you recommend that people both celebrate and reflect on the resilience of Black Americans throughout history and today?  

To truly honor Juneteenth and the resilience of Black Americans throughout history, locally and globally, below are a few recommendations.