Juneteenth Quiz 2023

What amendment abolished slavery?

• 3rd

• 14th

• 13th

Answer explanation

The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."

When did Juneteenth become a federal holiday?

• 2020

• 1900

• 2021

Answer explanation

The day was first recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law after the efforts of Lula Briggs Galloway, Opal Lee, and others. Early celebrations date to 1866, at first involving church-centered community gatherings in Texas.

Where was Juneteenth first celebrated?

• Texas

• Pennsylvania

• New Mexico

Answer explanation

Juneteenth was originally celebrated in Texas in the 1800s. It marked the first anniversary of the day that African Americans there first learned of the Emancipation Proclamation, more than two years after it was initially issued

When did the emancipation proclamation go into effect?

• 1873

• 1763

• 1863

Answer explanation

President Lincoln issued his Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, which stated that enslaved people in those states or parts of states still in rebellion as of January 1, 1863, would be declared free.

In which US City is Emancipation Park located?

• San Francisco

• Houston

• Chicago

Answer explanation

The newly redesigned Historic Emancipation Park is an interwoven tapestry of buildings and landscape encompassing 10 acres in Houston's Third Ward. For many decades, it was the only public park in Houston open to African Americans.

What was Juneteenth originally called?

• Independence Day

• Freedom Day

• Jubilee Day

Answer explanation

Former slaves in Galveston rejoiced after General Order No. 3. One year later, on June 19, 1866, freedmen in Texas organized the first of what became annual commemorations of "Jubilee Day". Early celebrations were used as political rallies to give voting instructions to newly freed African Americans. Now, other names for the day also include Freedom Day and Emancipation Day.

What General arrived in Galveston, TX to announce that slaves were free?

• General Gordon Granger

• General Robert E. Lee

• General Ulysses S. Grant

Answer explanation

On June 19, 1865, almost two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, Union Army Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that the 250,000 enslaved people in the state were free.

What flavor of soda is associated with Juneteenth?

• Orange

• Strawberry

• Lemon

Answer explanation

Red soda water is carbonated water flavored with strawberry as part of a Juneteenth feast! While Juneteenth has grown to include celebrating African-American culture and heritage, Juneteenth red food and drinks have always been a part of the jubilee day festivities. Throughout enslavement in the Americas, Red Drink was seen as a healing beverage used to cool overheated bodies working on plantations.

What symbol is on the Juneteenth Flag of Freedom?

• Triangle

• X

• Star

Answer explanation

The flag uses the colors of red, white and blue from the American flag. Featured prominently in the center of the flag is a bursting star. Running through the center of the flag horizontally, is an arc that is meant to symbolize the new horizon of opportunity for black people.

The flag is the brainchild of activist Ben Haith, founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation (NJCF). Haith created the flag in 1997 with the help of collaborators, and Boston-based illustrator Lisa Jeanne Graf brought their vision to life.

What is the oldest known holiday that celebrates the end of slavery in the US?

• Martin Luther King Day

• Memorial Day

• Juneteenth

Answer explanation

Juneteenth! Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as "Juneteenth," by the newly freed people in Texas.