The origin of the Juneteenth celebrations marking the end of slavery in the U.S. goes back to an order issued as Union troops arrived in Texas at the end of the Civil War.

As Americans celebrate Juneteenth on Monday, local historians are sharing the history of our country’s newest federal holiday.

Virginia Tech has approved Juneteenth as an official university holiday in honor of June 19, 1865.

In honor of Juneteenth, we’ve compiled a list of celebrations you can join in to honor an integral moment in Black History.

The United States government is catching up with Black people who have been commemorating the end of slavery in the United States for generations with a day called “Juneteenth.”.

Ralph Northam announced he is looking to make Juneteenth a state holiday. Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19, commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union general Gordon Granger read federal orders in Galveston, Texas, that all slaves in Texas were free. The day is also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day. Four hours of additional holiday time are also granted to state employees on the day before Thanksgiving. 2020 was the final year Virginia recognized Lee-Jackson Day as a state holiday.