This year, we’re celebrating Juneteenth on Friday, June 19th, 2026. Some members of the community might ask, “What exactly is Juneteenth?” and “Why do we celebrate it?” Like with all members of our community, CASW is committed to celebrating the history and contributions of the African American community in NYC – and that means spending the month highlighting Juneteenth and the rising generation of Black Leaders. Follow along for an overview of Juneteenth history and what makes this year’s celebrations so special.
History of Juneteenth
Juneteenth commemorates June 19th, 1865 – over two years after Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which abolished slavery on American soil. During the American Civil War, the state of Texas had largely avoided any major battles with the Union Army. States under Confederate control would, of course, not adopt the proclamation until capture and liberation by the Union. Texas, as the western-most frontier of the Confederacy, would not completely accede to the Proclamation until 2 months after the war’s official end. On that historic day in June, 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, declaring that the state’s enslaved population of 25,000 was now free by executive order. For years after this, newly freed persons and their descendants celebrated the date as “Jubilee Day.” In 2021, nearly 156 years later, President Joe Biden signed a bill that established Juneteenth as a national holiday.
Juneteenth in 2026
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, we find ourselves reflecting on the meaning of Juneteenth and its role in our larger history. However, celebrating Juneteenth doesn’t only mean reflecting on the past, but also looking towards the future. This year’s theme is “Freedom and Future.” As an organization whose mission is to empower NYC youth and help educate the next generation of leaders, this year’s celebration is particularly special to us. As we prepare for Summer Rising and SYEP, we want to take a moment to celebrate the future and the accomplishments to come!
