Who Made Juneteenth an Official Holiday?

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is a holiday celebrated in the United States to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of slavery in the state. The question of who made Juneteenth an official holiday is one that has a rich and complex history, involving the efforts of many individuals and organizations.

The journey to making Juneteenth an official holiday began with the initial celebrations in Texas. On June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger read General Order No. 3, which declared that all slaves in Texas were free. The news spread rapidly, and African Americans in Texas began to celebrate the day with parades, speeches, and other festivities. These celebrations continued annually, and over time, the holiday spread to other states with African American populations.

One of the key figures in the effort to make Juneteenth an official holiday was Mary B. Harris, better known as Mother Harriet Tubman. Tubman, a former enslaved woman and an influential abolitionist, played a significant role in the Underground Railroad. Although she did not live to see Juneteenth become an official holiday, her legacy and the work of other abolitionists helped to pave the way for the holiday’s recognition.

Another important figure was the late Dr. Otis Moss Jr., a civil rights activist and pastor who spent his life advocating for the recognition of Juneteenth. Moss Jr. was instrumental in pushing for the holiday’s recognition at the state level, and his efforts helped to make Juneteenth an official holiday in Texas in 1980. His work also influenced other states to follow suit, with 46 states now recognizing the holiday.

The National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF) also played a crucial role in the campaign to make Juneteenth an official holiday. Founded in 1992 by the late Dr. Ronald V. Myers Sr., the NJOF has been dedicated to promoting the holiday and its significance. The organization has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and advocate for the holiday’s national recognition.

In 2021, the efforts of countless individuals and organizations finally paid off when President Joe Biden signed a bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday. This historic moment marked the first time that a federal holiday had been created on the basis of racial equality. The decision was met with widespread celebration and a renewed commitment to the fight against systemic racism and inequality.

In conclusion, the journey to making Juneteenth an official holiday involved the collective efforts of many individuals, including abolitionists, civil rights activists, and organizations like the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation. The recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of celebrating the triumphs and struggles of African Americans in the United States.