U.S. Gen. Gordon Granger marched into Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865 – two months after the Civil War ended – and read aloud the Emancipation Proclamation, effectively ending slavery in that region.
In the years since, many African American communities, especially in Texas, have commemorated “Juneteenth” as the liberation day for enslaved people – who, legally speaking, had been freed 2 ½ years earlier.
“The first Juneteenth celebrations were organized in 1866 by Black communities across Texas, and in the years since, Juneteenth has become an internationally recognized commemoration,” Kevin McDonald, UVA’s vice president for diversity, equity, inclusion and community partnerships, said.
Texas made June 19 an official holiday in 1979, 41 other states and the District of Columbia have since followed suit, according to Henry Louis Gates’ article, “What Is Juneteenth?” which describes efforts to preserve and promote this African American history as part of American history.
Juneteenth in Virginia, and on Grounds
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam made Juneteenth an official observance last year – with UVA joining in – and the General Assembly voted in October to make it an official state holiday. Since June 19 falls on a Saturday this year, it will be observed with a day off on Friday, June 18 (except for the University Medical Center, which will remain open).