Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans in the United States. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, it wasn't until June 19, 1865, that the final enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, received news of their freedom.
Juneteenth became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, but has been celebrated as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Black Independence Day since June 19, 1866.
On June 14, 2022, the New Brighton City Council voted to declare June 19, 2022, as Juneteenth Day in the City of New Brighton. The proclamation (PDF) encourages residents to reflect, learn, understand, participate, and celebrate in community-based events to celebrate Juneteenth and its meaning in our region.
Minnesota established Juneteenth as a state holiday in 2023.