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10 Facts About Juneteenth

1. Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States.
   It commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were finally informed of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

2. The name "Juneteenth" is a blend of "June" and "nineteenth."
   It’s also known as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, or Jubilee Day.

3. Juneteenth originated in Texas.
   Texas was the first state to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday in 1980.

4. General Order No. 3 delivered the news of freedom.
   Union General Gordon Granger read the order aloud in Galveston, officially freeing the last remaining enslaved African Americans.

5. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021.
   It was signed into law on June 17, 2021, making it the newest federal holiday in over 40 years.

6. Celebrations date back to 1866.
   Freed Black communities began organizing festivals, cookouts, and educational events just one year after the original Juneteenth.

7. Red foods and drinks are symbolic.
   Traditional Juneteenth fare often includes red items like hibiscus tea, watermelon, and red velvet cake, symbolizing resilience and the bloodshed of enslaved ancestors.

8. Juneteenth celebrations emphasize education and achievement.
   The holiday often includes historical readings, voter registration drives, and Black business expos.

9. Juneteenth is a time for reflection and joy.
   It honors both the pain of the past and the progress made, while also celebrating Black culture and community.

10. Juneteenth is recognized around the world.
    Though uniquely American, Juneteenth has grown in global visibility, with celebrations and educational programs taking place internationally.

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