Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln. This day symbolizes the end of slavery in the United States and is recognized as a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle for civil rights. In 1980, Texas became the first state to declare Juneteenth a state holiday. Since then, the observance has grown nationwide, with various events such as parades, educational programs, and community gatherings that celebrate African American culture and history. In 2021, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday.