Skip to main content (Press Enter).
 News
    
        Photos

    Week in Photos

    Air Force TV

    Commentaries

    Features

    Art

    About Us
    
        Air Force Senior Leaders
    
        SECAF

    CSAF

    CMSAF

    Biographies

    Fact Sheets

    SECAF Reading List

    CSAF Leadership Library
    
        CSAF Leadership Library 2022

    CSAF Leadership Library 2021

    CSAF Reading List Pre-2020 Archive
    
        2018 CSAF Reading List

    2017 CSAF Reading List

    2016 CSAF Reading List

    CSAF Leadership Library 2023

    CMSAF Leadership Library

    50 Years of the CMSAF

    Adjunct Professors

    Air Force Strategic Documents

    Arctic Strategy

    Empowered Airmen

    State Licensure Portability

    Careers

    AF Federal Advisory Committees

    AF 75th Anniversary

    Policy Updates

    AF Content Management

    Contact Us

    AF Sites
    
        Site RegistrationU.S. Air Force LogoAir Force

        Policy UpdatesNewsroomReoptimizationBIOGRAPHIESAF Senior Leaders      The word Juneteenth overlaid on top of a civil rights event in black and whiteJuneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. The federal holiday has become an occasion to honor ancestors, recognize their sacrifices and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Americans to the nation. (U.S. Air Force graphic by David Perry)
                
                Photo Details /
                        Download Hi-Res

Juneteenth: Celebrating freedom, commemorating Black historyPublished June 19, 2023
                    
                    By Senior Airman Jaliil Smith
                    
                    
                    Hill Air Force Base Special Observance Council
            **HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFNS) --**Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, is **celebrated** annually on June 19 to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.
The **Emancipation Proclamation**, issued by President Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863, declared freedom for enslaved people in Confederate states. However, it took over two years for the news to reach enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas.
On June 19, 1865, Union Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and announced the end of slavery, effectively emancipating the remaining enslaved individuals in Texas. This momentous event became known as Juneteenth, a combination of "June" and "nineteenth."
Juneteenth has become an occasion to honor ancestors, recognize their sacrifices, and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Americans to the nation. The holiday is marked by various activities such as parades, picnics, musical performances, historical reenactments and educational events, fostering a sense of community, unity and pride.
It offers an opportunity to educate and raise awareness about the history of slavery, the struggles endured by African Americans, and the ongoing fight against systemic racism. Juneteenth empowers individuals to engage in conversations, advocate for equality, and work towards creating a more just society.
Over the years, Juneteenth has gained increasing recognition and support at both the local and national levels. Numerous states have officially recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday or observance, dedicating resources to public events and educational initiatives.
In 2021, Juneteenth was **officially declared** a federal holiday in the United States, further solidifying its significance and the importance of acknowledging the legacy of slavery.
Juneteenth is an occasion to honor the past, address present challenges and strive for a more inclusive and equitable future. It stands as a momentous celebration of freedom, resilience and the indomitable spirit of the African American community.
As we commemorate Juneteenth, let us embrace the opportunity to learn and empathize by recognizing the significance of this historical event and engaging in meaningful conversations.FS 



USAF 



AF 



Air Force 



Hill AFB 



Juneteenth 



Emancipation Day 



Emancipation Proclamation 



community 



Unity 



Pride 



sacrifice 



celebrate 



equality 



Black History 



One Team One Fight 



observance 



diversity 



inclusion 



June 19 



federal holiday 



slavery 



racism 



history 



knowledge 



freedom day

Related Links
        2023 DoD Juneteenth National Independence Day Observance Featured News
        Senior Leader Priorities
                DAF leaders talk budget, reoptimizing the force
                    
                    DAF leaders speak at National Character and Leadership Symposium
                    
                    DAF members recognized during BEYA STEM awards
                    
                    DAF senior enlisted advisors discuss Airmen, Guardians in the fight
                    
                    SecAF Kendall AFA Warfare Symposium Q&A: Reoptimizing for Great Power CompetitionInnovation
                AFWERX director discusses role of tech startups, quick innovation in Great Power Competition
                    
                    DAF delivers lethality at the speed of data during Project Convergence Capstone 4
                    
                    DAF welcomes industry partners to HQ development program
                    
                    DAF announces Spark Tank 2024 finalists
                    
                    Chief Digital, Artificial Intelligence Office to host hackathon in HawaiiMAJCOM News
                Safety enterprise announces new mission, vision, goals in 2024 strategic plan
                    
                    Air Combat Command welcomes new commander
                    
                    USAFE-AFAFRICA commander discusses Integrated Air, Missile Defense during Munich Security Conference
                    
                    Flosi to AFMC family: Embrace change, make every day count
                    
                    AMC rises to increasing global tension
 Quick Links
AccessibilityContact UsEqual OpportunityFOIA | Privacy | Section 508Information QualityInspector GeneralJAG Court-Martial DocketLink DisclaimerNo FEAR ActOpen GovernmentOSI Tip LinePlain LanguageQuestionsResilienceRSSSite MapVeterans Crisis LineCareers
Join the Air ForceAir Force BenefitsAir Force CareersAir Force ReserveAir National GuardCivilian ServiceConnect
            Get Social with Us
            
            Official United States Air Force Website
    Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil