What is Juneteenth? Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in the United States were informed of their freedom—two years after slavery was officially abolished. It is a significant holiday that honors African American history, freedom, and the ongoing pursuit of equality. In the U.S., Juneteenth is now a federal holiday, often celebrated with community events, music, food, and reflection.