Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, originated June 19, 1865 to recognize the day the remaining enslaved African Americans in the Confederacy were made aware of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation more than two years prior. This occurred in Texas—the most remote of the Confederate states—when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay and read federal orders declaring that all enslaved people were free. Once a mostly regional observance, Juneteenth has in recent decades become a much broader celebration of African American freedom. This year in particular, it"s seen as a way to express support for the African American and Black community during a time of widespread protests against systemic racism and police brutality.
Celebrating freedom
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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Jerte Valley in bloom
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Art in the high desert
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Celebrating Flag Day: ‘O long may it wave’
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The Children’s Cultural Festival in Reykjavik begins today
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Fall comes to Pando
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Humming along
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Splashes of color for Watercolor Month
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Listening to the sea
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All eyes on moths
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New Year s Eve
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Black History Month
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Watch your step
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Take the Stairs Day
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Wat Sri Sawai in Sukhothai Historical Park, Thailand
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Big-wave hunters watch Nazaré
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Kiteboarding and windsurfing in Croatia
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Bioluminescence at Trwyn Du Lighthouse in Wales
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Lighting it up for Vivid Sydney
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Irohazaka road
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Guilin and Lijiang River National Park, China
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Speed skaters in the Gangneung Oval, Pyeongchang, South Korea
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Jöriseen lakes in the Silvretta Alps, Switzerland
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American bison
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Just another day in paradise
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International Cheetah Day
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The Badlands celebrates a milestone
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Great horned owl fledglings
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Ski touring in Austria
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Lizard of mystery
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Cue up the tango music