Juneteenth History Quick Quiz | 5 Essential Questions

Juneteenth is the holiday that commemorates when the last enslaved African Americans learned they were free. Beyoncé released “Black Parade” on Juneteenth (June 19), 2020. The anthem about Black pride scored nine 2021 Grammy nominations and won Best R&B Performance, making Beyoncé the most nominated woman and the most-awarded singer in Grammy history.

Juneteenth originated in Texas. On June 19, 1865, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger informed a reluctant community in Galveston, Texas, that President Abraham Lincoln had freed enslaved people in rebel states two and a half years earlier. He pressed locals to comply with the directive. Texas was the last Confederate state to have the emancipation proclamation announced. In 2021 Juneteenth became a Federal Holiday in the US.

President Joe Biden signed legislation Thursday,  June 17, 2021, establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery, following a bipartisan Congressional bill. The legislation made Juneteenth the 12th federal holiday. Under the new law, the federal holiday is known as Juneteenth National Independence Day in all 50 states.

Before it became a federal holiday, how many states recognized Juneteenth?

Until June 2021, 48 states and Washington, D.C., recognize Juneteenth as either a state holiday or ceremonial holiday. Hawaii passed legislation on April 27, 2021, to acknowledge the holiday, but it is still waiting for Hawaii's governor to sign the bill into law. South Dakota had not recognized the holiday before it became federal.

The star in the middle of the Juneteenth flag represents the "Lone Star State" of Texas, where freed slaves first celebrated Juneteenth. The outline surrounding the star represents a new beginning for all. The colors on the flag are the same as the U.S. flag to show that former slaves and their descendants are free Americans.

Traditional Juneteenth foods and drinks are red and include the Red Velvet cake, red strawberry soda or lemonade, and red hibiscus-tinged punch.

Why is the food on Juneteenth red?

The standard explanation for Juneteenth red menu is that the red symbolized the blood of the millions of enslaved people who had suffered and died. Nowadays, some historians believe red drinks at Juneteenth celebrations have links to the fruits of two native West African plants: the kola nut and hibiscus.