Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865 when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree.

This day came to be known as “Juneteenth” by the newly freed people in Texas.

Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipating the emancipation of African American slaves. It is also observed for celebrating African American culture. Originating in Galveston, Texas, is has been celebrated annually on June 19th  in various parts of the United States since 1865.

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Juneteenth marks our country’s second Independence Day. Although it has long been celebrated in the African American community, this monumental event remains largely unknown to most Americans.