Happy Juneteenth from CPHA

Juneteenth is Thursday, June 19, 2025! Juneteenth is the oldest-known celebration marking the end of slavery in the United States, first recognized by the state of Texas. It is also known as “Freedom Day,” “Juneteenth Independence Day,” or “Emancipation Day.”

On January 1, 1863, in the middle of the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. It granted freedom to “all persons held as slaves” in 10 Confederate-controlled states. However, for the most part, the order was not enforced until Union soldiers were able to advance into these areas after the end of the war, the beginning of which came in April 1865 with the surrender of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee after the Battle of Appomattox Court House in Virginia. On June 19, 1865, U.S. Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger delivered to the people of Galveston, Texas, General Order No. 3, which read, in part: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor.”This day soon became known as “Juneteenth,” a verbal shorthand for June 19.Slavery in the United States would be formally abolished with the ratification of the 13th Amendment on December 6, 1865.

Juneteenth Resources: 

Juneteenth 2025: What Is Juneteenth?

Celebrate Juneteenth

History of Juneteenth

Juneteenth Health Resources: 

 Juneteenth: Supporting Mental Health Equity Everyday

 Juneteenth: Reflect and Celebrate

Juneteenth: Freedom is a Work in Progress