Slavery's End Inch by Inch: Juneteenth Marks Long Road to Freedom

Juneteenth commemorates the announcement of emancipation in Texas, kicking off celebrations of the end of slavery that was more gradual than official announcements suggest.
Festivities like parades, speeches, and red-colored food symbolize the joy of freedom and loss of life under the brutality of slavery's institution.
Recognition of Juneteenth highlights the shared quest to actualize the promise of equality and justice on which the nation was founded.
Designating Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021 affirmed its place in the broader American story, though more remains to be done to rectify the legacy of slavery.
Community events aim to educate about this history and its meaning for understanding both the progress made and distances yet to travel.