Juneteenth’s history and meaning explained by African American Civil War Museum director
Frank Smith, director of the African American Civil War Museum, explains the origin of Juneteenth and its journey to becoming a national holiday.
Josh Morgan, USA TODAY
With summer comes a slew of holidays and observances, including one central to Black communities across the nation.
This will be the fourth year that Juneteenth is celebrated widely as a federal holiday, but the holiday itself has been celebrated for more than 150 years.
Here’s everything you need to know about Juneteenth, including when it is and the meaning behind the day.
When is Juneteenth 2025?
The Juneteenth holiday is celebrated this year on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
How did Juneteenth start?
Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the final end of slavery in the rebelling states just after the end of the Civil War.
While the Emancipation Proclamation freed all African American slaves in the Confederate states in 1863, it was not enforced in areas still under confederate control, according to Britannica. The Civil War ended in April 1865, and on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers delivered the message in Galveston, Texas, that the war was over and the Emancipation Proclamation was now enforceable.
The first celebrations took place the next year in Texas, and eventually spread to other states. Today, celebrations typically include prayer and religious services, speeches, educational events, family gatherings and picnics, and festivals with music, food and dancing.
When did Juneteenth become a federal holiday?
Though it has long been celebrated in Black communities, Juneteenth became a federal holiday when President Joe Biden signed a bill on June 17, 2021.
The holiday’s history gained more attention during the summer of 2020, after the Minneapolis murder of George Floyd.
Juneteenth celebrations in Springfield
Here are events planned in Springfield to celebrate Juneteenth:
Juneteenth Freedom Day Music Fest at Founders Park
When: noon-7 p.m. Thursday, June 19
Where: Founders Park, 330 E. Water St., Springfield
Celebrate Juneteenth with the 7th Annual Freedom Day Music Fest. The event will feature live music and keynote speakers as well as vendors and small businesses.
‘Hidden Figures’ screening at the Moxie
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, June 19
Where: Moxie Cinema, 305 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield
This community screening of “Hidden Figures” (2016) is part of SGF Juneteenth, a citywide Juneteenth celebration made possible by Community Partnership of the Ozarks, Springfield NAACP, City of Springfield and Community Foundation of the Ozarks. Get tickets here.”Hidden Figures” is the story of Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson – brilliant African-American women working at NASA and serving as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history – the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. The visionary trio crossed all gender and race lines to inspire generations to dream big.
Juneteenth event at Silver Springs Park
When: 5 p.m. Friday, June 20
Where: Silver Springs Park, 1100 N. Hampton Ave., Springfield
Celebrate the unveiling of the newly renovated pavilion at this historic park that holds deep roots in Springfield’s Black community, where generations have gathered, played, laughed and built lifelong memories. People are invited to bring their family and share their stories of the park.
Springfield Juneteenth Community Celebration
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 21
Where: Springfield Expo Center, 635 E. St. Louis St., Springfield
Celebrate freedom, culture, joy and community at the Juneteenth Community Celebration. The event will feature live music, vendors, food, kids’ activities and an award ceremony to honor local leaders. Admission is free.
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