Juneteenth Celebrations In Boston edit your profile

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, also known as Freedom Day. Here are some Boston events honoring this important day in history! Emancipation Day has evolved throughout the years, and today is known as Juneteenth, Emancipation Celebration, Freedom Day, and Jun-Jun. The day marks two important dates: The first is June 19, 1862, when Congress prohibited slavery in all current and future United States territories (though not in the states), and President Lincoln quickly signed the legislation the same day. The second was the announcement of the end of slavery in Texas that happened on June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and is recognized as a state holiday or special day of observance in forty-five states.