Happy Juneteenth!
Published on June 19, 2023
In 2021, the U.S. government approved the national commemoration of Juneteenth. Since then, the spotlight has shone increasingly brighter on Juneteenth and its significance for not only African Americans, but American society as a whole.
Its origins date to June 19, 1865, when word finally reached African American slaves in Texas that they were free, even though the Civil War had been over for two months. Celebrations have occurred annually since then on June 19th (June-teenth, for short).
For many, the holiday marks a second independence day for our nation, and has become an opportunity to reflect on many aspects of our national evolution, including the painful chapter and legacy of slavery, and the arduous and courageous steps taken by many Americans during the civil rights movement and continued efforts to create a more just and inclusive society for all.
The City of Lakewood joins the federal and state governments and hundreds of public and private organizations in paying tribute to this important commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. See the Proclamation honoring Juneteenth(PDF, 613KB).
Resources to learn more
The historical legacy of Juneteenth is explored on the
Smithsonian Institution's website, which includes resources for young children as well as a reading list curated by the National Museum of African American History and Culture.