Juneteenth marks a profound turning point in our nation’s story, the day when freedom finally reached every enslaved Black American in the former Confederacy. Although Juneteenth was not recognized as a federal holiday until 2021, its roots and relevance run deep.
More than just a recognition of the past, Juneteenth is a call to reflect on our shared history and to renew our commitment to building a brighter future.
What Is Juneteenth?
On June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, the last Confederate stronghold, and read aloud General Order No. 3, proclaiming that all enslaved people were free. This occurred more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued and months after the Civil War had ended.
Despite this declaration, many enslaved people were not freed immediately. Some were kept in bondage by force, while others were kept unaware of their legal status. Violence and resistance followed.
And even then, true freedom wasn’t secured until the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in December 1865, which abolished slavery nationwide.
Why Do We Celebrate Juneteenth?
Juneteenth honors the moment when freedom finally reached all those of African heritage who endured slavery, symbolizing a significant step toward justice and equality in our nation’s history.
Formerly enslaved families began marking the occasion in Texas as early as 1866. As the tradition spread, so did efforts to ensure public recognition, including the purchase of Emancipation Park in Houston, still a site of celebration today.
Juneteenth is a day to:
- Celebrate freedom.
- Honor resilience.
- Reflect on the journey forward.
The visibility of Juneteenth has ebbed and flowed during the past 150+ years. But following the national reckoning on racial injustice in 2020 and the subsequent passage of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, this holiday has taken its rightful place in public consciousness.
What Does Juneteenth Mean in 2025?
Juneteenth is not just a celebration of the past; it’s a commitment to the future. While symbolic recognition is important, it must be paired with ongoing efforts to build a more equitable society.
At United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA), we believe that every person in our community deserves to live with dignity, opportunity and hope. That’s why our work focuses on breaking down barriers and building up systems that support everyone, especially those historically left behind.
Consider these realities from our 2024 data about the impacts of UWCA partners and programs:
The legacy of Juneteenth compels us to keep pushing for these kinds of tangible change — not just for one day, but every day.
How You Can Observe Juneteenth in 2025
Whether you’re new to the holiday or it’s long held meaning for your family, here are a few ways to make Juneteenth a day of learning, community and impact.
🗣️ Join or Host a Juneteenth Celebration
Celebrate with your neighbors at a local commemoration:
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Juneteenth 2025 Events
- The Birmingham Times: How the City Plans to Observe Juneteenth
- Bham Now: Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth in Birmingham
🎓 Educate Yourself and Others
- Read about Juneteenth’s history at Juneteenth.com.
- Explore the National Museum of African American History & Culture’s collection of online resources about Juneteenth.
- Watch PBS’s Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom.
- Explore books by Black creators, scholars and activists.
🛍️ Support Black-Owned Businesses
Shopping locally and intentionally helps address disparities in access to capital and resources. Explore local directories of Black-owned businesses such as the ones below.
- Birmingham Black-owned Business Directory
- Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs listing of minority, disabled and/or women-owned businesses
💬 Reflect and Connect
Let Juneteenth be a moment to ask yourself:
- How am I helping to create a community where every voice is valued?
- How can I show up, today and every day, for equity and justice?
Our Commitment
As Lawrencia Richardson, UWCA’s Assistant Vice President of People & Culture, wrote in a recent message to our staff:
“Let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich cultural contributions that shape our communities and strengthen our sense of belonging. Thank you for being part of a team that values history, connection and shared purpose.”
In observance of Juneteenth, UWCA offices will be closed on Thursday, June 19, 2025. We encourage you to use this time to reflect, learn, and engage in ways that are meaningful to you — and to help us keep building a more just and connected community.