Happy Juneteenth!

The Council has officially recognized June 19 as Juneteenth, reaffirming the city’s commitment to commemorating Black freedom, resilience, and culture. The resolution encourages all Boston residents to observe the day through celebration, education, and action toward a more just and equitable society.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day and Emancipation Day, marks the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas — more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation — and announced the end of slavery in the last Confederate state. This historic event became a symbol of delayed justice and enduring strength for Black Americans.

Although Black communities across the U.S. have honored Juneteenth since 1866, it was not until 2021 that it was officially recognized as a federal holiday, following decades of grassroots advocacy led by figures such as Opal Lee, known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.”

Boston formally established Juneteenth as a city holiday in 2020, recognizing it as a time to reflect on the legacy of slavery and to acknowledge the many ways Black Bostonians continue to shape the city’s cultural, civic, and economic life.

The resolution also honors Boston’s historical ties to the abolitionist and civil rights movements, shaped by leaders such as Frederick Douglass, David Walker, and Melnea Cass, and notes the city’s continued role in advancing Black liberation through public policy, education, the arts, and community leadership.

In recognizing Juneteenth, the Council invites all residents to join in commemorating the day through reflection, education, and community engagement that furthers the city’s commitment to racial justice and inclusion.