Juneteenth, often hailed as America’s “Second Independence Day,” is set to be celebrated across the United States on June 19, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s history—the end of slavery. Though the holiday has been unofficially observed for more than 150 years, it only became a federal holiday in 2021, reflecting a growing recognition of its profound significance.
The origins of Juneteenth date back to June 19, 1865, when approximately 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. Their arrival brought the long-overdue news to more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state that slavery had been abolished by executive decree. This moment came over two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, which declared freedom for enslaved people in Confederate states. However, enforcement of the proclamation depended on Union control, which Texas did not fall under until 1865.
The National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC) has described Juneteenth as “our country’s second independence day,” acknowledging its deep roots in African American communities while also noting that the holiday remains largely unknown to many Americans. Over time, Juneteenth celebrations have evolved from localized gatherings in Texas, known initially as “Jubilee Day,” into nationwide observances marked by parades, cookouts, prayer meetings, cultural readings, and musical performances.
Today, Juneteenth is a time for reflection, rejoicing, and planning for the future. According to the Juneteenth World Wide Celebration website, the day is “marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings” and serves as “a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future.” This spirit of reflection and community is echoed in celebrations across the country, from large urban centers to smaller local events.
In 2025, Juneteenth will once again be observed as a federal holiday, with all federal offices—including courts, post offices, and social security offices—closed. State offices, such as the Secretary of State, will also close, and state employees will have the day off. Emergency services, including fire departments, police, and ambulances, will remain staffed, ensuring public safety during the holiday. The U.S. Postal Service will suspend regular mail delivery, except for Holiday Premium Priority Mail Express and Holiday Same Day Package Delivery services. Most banks will also close, although ATMs and digital banking will remain accessible.
Celebrations are planned nationwide, with notable events in states like Michigan, Delaware, and Ohio. Michigan will host a variety of festivities, including the Jackson Juneteenth celebration in downtown Jackson on June 21, featuring food vendors and activities from 2 to 8 p.m. Saginaw will hold its Freedom Parade and Freedom Festival on the same day, with entertainment, food, and a basketball tournament. Grand Rapids will celebrate with the Juneteenth Afro Gaga Parade & Celebration on June 19, highlighting pan-African themes through a parade and entertainment. Detroit’s observance includes a parade starting at 11 a.m. on June 19 from 4100 Woodward Avenue, followed by a festival at the same location beginning at 3 p.m. Northern Michigan University in Marquette will host a weeklong “Week of Jubilee” celebration from June 16 to June 20, featuring community picnics, drum workshops, dance sessions, film screenings, and festivals.
In Delaware, Juneteenth is recognized as one of the state’s 13 legal holidays. The state will observe the day with various events, including parades, festivals, performances, and historical tributes that blend celebration with remembrance. Delawareans join millions across the country in honoring this historic milestone.
Ohio’s Akron community offers numerous opportunities to engage with Juneteenth’s legacy. Although the 2025 Downtown Akron Juneteenth Celebration has passed, events continue through the month. The Akron Bicentennial’s Juneteenth parade and celebration are scheduled for June 21, beginning at Buchtel Community Learning Center at 11:30 a.m., culminating in festivities at the John Brown House from noon to 3 p.m., featuring a live DJ, food, and vendors. Sweetbeats Sports and Soul Food Karaoke Bar will host a live karaoke night on June 19 from 8 to 11 p.m. The Akron Urban League’s “Stronger Together” event takes place on June 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 440 Vernon Odom Boulevard, followed by Jilly’s Music Room’s celebration from 7 to 11 p.m. The Western Reserve Historical Society will also hold “Juneteenth: Genius of Freedom” on June 19 at Hale Farm and Village in Bath, Ohio.
Juneteenth’s journey from a regional Texas celebration to a nationally recognized federal holiday reflects a broader societal acknowledgment of the importance of African American history and the enduring impact of slavery. Texas was the first state to make Juneteenth a state holiday in 1980. Since then, the observance has spread, with 28 states and Washington, D.C., officially recognizing it as a public holiday by 2023. President Joe Biden’s signing of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act on June 17, 2021, cemented its status as the 11th federal holiday and the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983. At the signing, Biden remarked, “This will go down for me as one of the greatest honors I will have as president.”
Juneteenth stands as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of African American communities and the ongoing journey toward equality. It invites Americans to honor the past while envisioning a future grounded in freedom and justice for all.
