Juneteenth was made a Federal Holiday when President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act in 2021 — but it has been a longstanding tradition, first celebrated by the African-American community in Texas in 1866. It was established as a Texas State Holiday in 1980.

What is Juneteenth?

Slavery’s end with the Emancipation Proclamation was not known, and not immediately enforced. When Army commander issued a General order ending slavery in Texas, African Americans immediately celebrated and then commemorated the day…June 19th became Juneteenth.

It is one of the earliest continuously observed holidays that African Americans established in the United States.

This Juneteenth — considering checking out these New York Law Institute resources…

Texas is the first to formally recognize Juneteenth…from LLMC provides many State Statutes… LLMC is included as part of NYLI membership…

From PQ Congressional… available with NYLI membership – and a great resources for Legislative materials and histories…..

And finally, THE resource for celebrating Juneteenth — is Professor Gates’ definitive Encyclopedia — available as an eBook at NYLI…..

African American Lives by Henry Louis Gates Jr.

The New York Law Institute wishes all of our readers a joyous Juneteenth — and hope that you learned a little bit more about this newest Federal Holiday, and that you take some time to reflect on its significance….