Emancipation Day commemorates the abolition of slavery and the liberation of enslaved people in different parts of the world. The date and significance of Emancipation Day vary by region, reflecting the unique histories and timelines of emancipation in each area. These celebrations honor freedom, resilience, and the enduring fight for equality.
DC Emancipation Day
DC Emancipation Day commemorates the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862, which ended slavery in Washington, D.C.
Emancipation Day in Texas
In the state of Texas, Emancipation Day is celebrated as Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the state.
Juneteenth
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, holds a particularly significant place in United States history and African American culture. This date marks the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of the Civil War and the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the state, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863.