In 1865, Texas was one of the last holdouts for slavery in the United States, even after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation had declared all enslaved persons free in the Confederate states nearly two years prior. On June 19, Union soldiers, under the command of Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3. This directive communicated the end of slavery to the enslaved population and affirmed their freedom. The announcement was a significant milestone in the arduous journey towards abolition, marking a moment of joy and relief for many who had suffered under the institution of slavery.General Granger's message emphasized not only the immediate freedom of the slaves but also the importance of their rights as free individuals. This was met with widespread celebration among the newly freed African Americans as they embraced their newfound freedom. Churches and community centers quickly became hubs for festivities, and the day was marked with parades, speeches, and family gatherings. Over time, June 19 became known as Juneteenth, a day commemorating African American freedom and achievement.As the years went by, Juneteenth grew in significance, extending beyond Texas into other parts of the United States. It became a pivotal cultural tradition celebrated with various activities that honored African American heritage. In 2021, the recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday by the U.S. government underscored its critical role in American history and its significance in the ongoing conversation about race, equality, and justice in the United States.