What is juneteenth mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈdʒənbɪrzɛnt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

Juneteenth is a holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, specifically on June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the freedom of all slaves in the state.

Etymology

The word “Juneteenth” is derived from the combination of “June” and “nineteenth.” It originally referred to the day when the Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, became effective in Texas.

Usage Notes

Juneteenth is commonly observed in African American communities and is often celebrated with parades, music, and traditional cuisine.

Cultural References

• Vanessa Riley’s novel “Island Queen” features a Juneteenth celebration.
• The TV show “Family Reunion” includes a Juneteenth episode.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Juneteenth is a symbol of freedom and liberation.”

Related Words or Phrases

• Emancipation
• Slavery
• African American History

Collocations

• Juneteenth celebration
• Juneteenth parade

Frequency of Use

Juneteenth is a growingly recognized holiday, with more frequent mentions in modern language.

Common Misspellings

• Junetenth
• Juneenth