MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – Juneteenth is a federal holiday that commemorates the last enslaved African-Americans in the United States becoming free.
Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday in 2021.
FOX10 News spoke to some people about what Juneteenth means to them. Some people are still learning its significance, while others have celebrated it for decades.
“It’s a celebration of our freedom and the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. By the time the news made it to Texas, it was a big celebration,” explained Martina West.
“I know it’s affiliated with Black history. I just heard about it last year, so I’m not really all that familiar with it, but I think it’s a good idea,” said one.
“It’s huge we’re celebrating it nationwide. When I first learned of Juneteenth, I was in my 20′s and I was in Chicago so I think it’s huge now that everyone is gaining that knowledge and that we are actually observing it and celebrating it,” added another.
“We don’t want to step back in history- we want to go forward in history. We need to come to maturity- we are a people, not a race,” said someone else.
“It’s just very special to me to have that independence by our ancestors,” added one.
“It means freedom for everyone,” said another.
“There should be more people that know about Juneteenth,” concluded one.
Click here for a list of local Juneteenth events.
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