The resulting Juneteenth holiday — its name combining “June” and “nineteenth” — has only grown in one-and-a-half centuries. In 2021, President Joe Biden designated it a federal holiday — expanding its recognition beyond Black America.

Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S., is celebrated annually on June 19th. Many government offices, banks, and schools are closed for Juneteenth, but private businesses may remain open.

A celebration of Black history and freedom, the day rose in prominence following the sweeping protests against racial injustice in 2020.