Juneteenth: Quick Facts

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Last updated

Oct. 22, 2026

News •

Opal Lee, 'grandmother of Juneteenth,' spends 100th birthday at the center of celebrations in Texas • Oct. 17, 2026, 5:00 AM ET (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

Facts

Also Known As	Juneteenth Independence Day • Juneteenth National Independence Day • Jubilee Day • Black Independence Day • Emancipation Day

Photos and Videos

Juneteenth celebration

Juneteenth gathering at Emancipation Park

People in colorful African-inspired clothing march and dance down a city street during the Juneteenth Parade at Malcolm X Park in Philadelphia. Spectators line the sidewalks.

Ben Haith stands outside a white house holding a Juneteenth flag, which features a white star in a burst on a blue and red background.

Juneteenth pride

Emancipation Proclamation

Emancipation Day

What does Juneteenth celebrate?

Discover the history of Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States

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Topics

A Teen Girl Recalls Juneteenth in the 1950s Emancipation Park, Juneteenth, and a Recommitment to Freedom What Is the History of Juneteenth?Juneteenth: Celebrating the End of Slavery Today in History—June 19: The Origin Story of Juneteenth Why do we celebrate Juneteenth?United States African Americans emancipation slavery in the United States Independence Day Thanksgiving Day Labor Day Father’s Day Columbus Day Memorial Day Indigenous Peoples’ Day Women’s Equality Day Veterans Day St. Patrick’s Day

Key People

Opal Lee smiles at a podium with microphones as Vice President Kamala Harris, left, assists her during a Juneteenth event on the White House South Lawn.

Opal Lee

American activist