Honouring History: A Look Back at Juneteenth with the 2024 Google Doodle

Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth National Independence Day or Emancipation Day, is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on June 19. The day commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

Today, Google Doodle will launch a special Doodle to celebrate Juneteenth, which mentions: “This doodle was painted by Oakland guest artist Christian Robinson in celebration of Juneteenth. This federal holiday commemorates the emancipation of black slaves in the United States. On this day in 1865, news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached Galveston Bay, Texas. This executive order officially ended slavery in the states of the Confederacy.”

Source: Google Doodle

Although the Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 declared all slaves in the Confederate states free, it took nearly two and a half years for the news to reach all slaves. Juneteenth marks the arrival of Union Major General Gordon Granger in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, announcing the end of the Civil War and the freedom of slaves in the state.

Google Doodle mentioned, “Although the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect in 1863, several Confederate-led states, including Texas, had opposed the proclamation for years. The tide turned in 1865 when federal troops marched into Galveston, Texas, and proclaimed their freedom to enslaved black Texans.”

A day of reflection and celebration

Juneteenth has become a day to celebrate African American freedom and culture. Traditionally, celebrations include parades, rodeos, barbecues, and music festivals. It is a day for families to come together, reflect on the past, and remember the struggles and triumphs of African Americans.

Juneteenth has grown in importance in recent years. As attention on racial equality grows across the country, Juneteenth serves as a reminder to continue the fight for equality. It is a day to rededicate ourselves to creating a more just and equal society.

How to Celebrate Juneteenth?

There are many ways to participate in the Juneteenth celebration. Here are some ideas:

  • Attend a local Juneteenth parade or festival.
  • Learn more about Black history and culture.
  • Support Black-owned businesses.
  • Reflect on the ongoing struggle for racial equality.

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