What is Juneteenth?

June 19, aka Juneteenth, is the holiday commemorating the day when the last enslaved Black people were freed. As you may remember, the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1862. However, this was not adhered to by all states until the end of the Civil War in April 1865 and news of this freedom didn’t reach Galveston, Texas, until June 19, 1865, which freed the final quarter million enslaved people. The abolition of slavery was not recognized with a federal holiday until the summer of 2021. 

What Does it Mean to Celebrate Juneteenth in 2024?

Only 159 years have passed, just five short generations. Juneteenth has evolved into the most prominent Emancipation Day holiday in the African American community. These celebrations include enjoying traditional foods, singing spiritual songs, and prayer meetings. The purpose is to not only celebrate their freedom, but also remember and honor forebearers who didn’t get to experience it. 

Juneteenth as a national holiday is an invitation for ALL Americans, not just Black Americans, to remember together, to mourn together, and to celebrate together the beautiful legacy of freedom for all Americans. Juneteenth not only represents freedom, it also represents PROGRESS and UNITY. 

How Are We Celebrating?

Juneteenth was added to Henderson’s annual holiday calendar in 2022. We therefore close our offices across the country each year in recognition of this important day in our country’s history. As usual, we will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, to give employees time with their families and communities to celebrate. Additionally, members of our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) employee affinity group focused on racial equity have shared a comprehensive list of community events and resources across the country where our offices are located. 

Happy Juneteenth from Team Henderson!