Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It marks the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, two years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday is a time for reflection, education, and celebration of African American culture and achievements. Festivities include parades, concerts, and community gatherings, often featuring traditional foods and music. Juneteenth is recognized as a state holiday or observance in 47 states and the District of Columbia, and in 2021, it became a federal holiday.