Short for June 19, the holiday commemorates the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas on June 19, 1865 in the former Confederate States, which ended slavery in said states. It's also been called Black Independence Day and America's Second Independence Day.
Though celebrated as early as 1866, and recognized as a state holiday in several states by the 1980's, it was only made a federal holiday in 2021.
Observances include barbeques, celebrations of African-American culture and history amd family reunions.
Though celebrated as early as 1866, and recognized as a state holiday in several states by the 1980's, it was only made a federal holiday in 2021.
Observances include barbeques, celebrations of African-American culture and history amd family reunions.