What is Juneteenth? A beginner’s guide to the federal holiday. How to celebrate

While the Trump administration has rolled back federal support for DEI initiatives, there is no public plan to change the status of Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

The fifth year since Juneteenth was officially named a federal holiday, things look a little different in 2025. Trump’s anti-DEI tactics have led to rollbacks in support, and many celebrations across the country have been scaled back accordingly.

Juneteenth is observed across the country on Thursday, June 19, to mark when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay in Texas, and freed Black people who had remained under Confederate control long after the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1863.

It’s also an official holiday in Washington state, meaning government offices will be closed.

Before you can observe Juneteenth, you should know why it’s significant.

Celebrating Juneteenth has been a tradition in Texas for years. It was the first state to make the day an official holiday in 1980. It’s a common tradition in the Lone Star State to sip on red soda or juice, which is ripe with historical meaning.

Check out other delicacies you can enjoy for Juneteenth.

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of slaves in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. It is a common misconception that all slaves were freed through the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. In reality, this enactment was only the first step. It was followed by Union troops informing slaves of the proclamation and the creation of further legal rights for Black people in America.

General Gordon Granger rode in with his men to inform slaves that they had been freed. The last announcement from Union generals took place in Galveston, meaning they were the last to hear of their freedom and the end of the war, according to Scott Finnie, an expert in Africana Studies at Eastern Washington University.

The holiday reminds everyone that while slavery was technically abolished in 1863, freedom was not granted to many for over two years.

The day celebrates freedom. It also highlights ongoing issues and efforts for true freedom, a day for activism, remembrance, and increased awareness.

Can I say Happy Juneteenth?

This is debated in Black communities. Some people would rather not hear the phrase at all, while others think it is okay to say indiscriminately on a social media post or as a general statement.

This stems from the possible microaggressions of exclusively saying “Happy Juneteenth” to Black people in particular. It’s considered presumptive, as not all Black people are African Americans who resonate with the day.

So, saying it to everyone or not at all is what some people ask, or reserve the phrase for dedicated celebrations.

How can I celebrate Juneteenth in Washington?

There are many ways to celebrate Juneteenth, and each individual will resonate with certain traditions over others. According to the official Juneteenth website, what’s important is that your commemoration of Juneteenth is “celebratory, festive and in honor of African American history.” The site also maintains a list of celebration ideas.

A big part of recognizing Juneteenth is spreading awareness. If you can’t take part in Juneteenth in any other way, it is enough to teach the people in your life what the day is about. Educate others and yourself with about the holiday.

Additionally, you can support Black-owned businesses and attend Juneteenth events in your area.

While some events were held last weekend, there are upcoming notable events planned across the state:

• Juneteenth Washington - June 19, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Stewart Heights Park, Tacoma
• Juneteenth Celebration - June 19, 1 to 5 p.m. - Rebecca Howard Park, Olympia
• Juneteenth Celebration - June 21, 2 to 6 p.m. - Maritime Heritage Park, Bellingham
• Juneteenth event series - June 13-28 - various locations, Tri-Cities