On June 17th, 2021, Juneteenth became a Federal Holiday. Virginia Stage Company is humbled to acknowledge this holiday for the second year in a row.

Juneteenth acknowledges the day that Union General Gordon Granger’s 2,000 Union troops infiltrated Galveston, Texas and informed enslaved workers that Abraham Lincoln had abolished slavery in the Confederacy two years prior. It is a celebration of abolition, but also a day of reflection. It has been long celebrated in the African American community, but was just recognized as a federal holiday this week.

Juneteenth is celebrated by religious services, story-telling, music performances, parades, and food.

To learn more about the origins of this holiday, check out the resources below:

“Juneteenth: Celebration of Resilience” National Museum of African American History and Culture

”Celebrate Juneteenth” Teach for America

NPR’s “The History Of Juneteenth, And Why It Is Relevant Today”

“What Is Juneteenth, How Is It Celebrated, and Why Does It Matter?” TeenVogue

Here’s another great resource: https://www.pb-resources.com/juneteenth