Britannica Q&A: Juneteenth

Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, marks the end of slavery in the U.S. Celebrated on June 19th, it commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas learned of the Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Lincoln over two years earlier. The Civil War was nearly over, and soon all states had to comply with the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery. Initially, the South did not honor the Proclamation, but Union forces ensured its enforcement. Juneteenth celebrations waned in the early 20th century but were revived in 1968 by the Poor People's Campaign. Today, it is celebrated with various events, including speeches and family gatherings.

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