What event does Juneteenth commemorate?

• A. The signing of the Emancipation Proclamation
• B. The end of the Civil War
• C. The emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.
• D. The Civil Rights Movement

Answer: (C)

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, specifically marking the day when enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863. Despite the proclamation, many enslaved individuals in Confederate states, particularly Texas, remained unaware of their liberation until the arrival of the federal troops.

This date serves as a symbol of African American freedom and a recognition of the ongoing struggle for equality and civil rights. It highlights the importance of the last holdout of slavery in the United States, underscoring that liberation was a process that continued even after the formal announcement made by the Emancipation Proclamation. Understanding this historical context is crucial in appreciating the significance of Juneteenth as a celebration of African American heritage and resilience.