Juneteenth commemorates the day—June 19, 1865—when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform the last remaining enslaved people of their freedom, nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. A year later, newly freed communities in Texas gathered to celebrate their liberation with food, music, prayer, and reflection. Over the decades, this tradition—also known as “Jubilee Day,” “Emancipation Day,” or “Black Independence Day”—spread across the country.

Juneteenth has been an official holiday in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for five years now! It was signed into state law on July 24, 2020, by Governor Charlie Baker, and became a federal holiday one year later when President Joe Biden signed it into law on June 17, 2021. Juneteenth is the first new federal holiday since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983.

Juneteenth celebrations vary widely—some enjoy cookouts, parades, church functions, and family reunions, while others spend the day reading, praying, and reflecting. While Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, it also serves as a solemn reminder of the injustices and systemic racism that Black Americans have endured—and continue to face. Many use the holiday to build community and spotlight disparities the Black community still faces. Consider these facts:

 

Despite the sobering reality of the challenges that Black Americans still face in this country, Juneteenth stands to represent their strength, resilience, and survival. The legacy of Juneteenth lives on thanks to people like Ms. Opal Lee, often called the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” A retired teacher and lifelong activist, Ms. Lee spent years walking thousands of miles across the U.S. to raise awareness. At age 89, she walked from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., to campaign for federal recognition—her efforts played a crucial role in making Juneteenth a national holiday. In 2024, Ms. Lee was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of her enduring legacy.

If you’re looking to learn more, check out the 2025 Juneteenth digital toolkit from the National Museum of African American History and Culture. It’s full of history, videos, educational resources, and suggestions for how to honor the day. Embrace Boston is hosting their 2025 Festival Abraço de Ideias, a multi-day celebration of Black culture, creativity, and community through thought-provoking panels, art, and performances. You can attend in person or join via livestream.

Find Juneteenth festivities all over the Commonwealth and join the events taking place near you! Wishing you all a joyful, thoughtful, and empowering Juneteenth 2025.