A woman holds an American flag while marching in the Juneteenth Atlanta Black History parade on June 18, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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President Joe Biden signed a bill last year that sets June 19 as a federal holiday.
Celebrations took place around the country on June 19 in many US cities and towns, paying tribute to Black culture.
The origins of Juneteenth started in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865.
Juneteenth is the country's newest federal holiday, and on Sunday, many Black Americans are celebrating with festivals, food, and parades.
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. While many Black Americans already acknowledged this historic date, President Joe Biden signed a bill last year that sets June 19 as a federal holiday.
The origins of Juneteenth started in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, when Union Army general Gordon Granger declared that the enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, were freed by executive decree. Shortly after, celebrations took place where it was safe, such as in Black churches, according to High Country News.
Around the US, many cities have opted in to celebrate Juneteenth. Here are celebrations in several cities around the US that are observing Juneteenth.
Galveston, TexasPeople pray outside of Reedy Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church to celebrate Juneteenth on June 19, 2021 in Galveston, Texas. Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved African American people in the United States and the Juneteenth National Independence Day became the 12th legal federal holiday signed on June 17th, 2021.
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Historically, Juneteenth was originally celebrated in churches. Church goers are commemorating Juneteenth in their worship services. Many churches, such as the Reedy Chapel in Galveston, are hosting services and block parties in observation.
Atlanta, GeorgiaA woman holds an American flag while marching in the Juneteenth Atlanta Black History parade on June 18, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Thousands are taking to the streets of Atlanta in celebration of Juneteenth. The Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival pays homage to Black culture.
New York, New YorkAn onlooker reacts to a performance during a Juneteenth celebration in Times Square, in the Manhattan borough of New York, on June 19, 2022.
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Broadway is celebrating Juneteenth at Times Square with a free 90-minute concert. This celebration is in partnership with The Broadway League's Black to Broadway initiative. The event will feature cast members from some of Broadway's iconic shows going on right now.
Minneapolis, MinnesotaPeople participate in the annual Afropunk Music festival on August 27, 2016 in New York City.
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On Sunday, Afropunk is bringing out local acts in partnership with Target. Black creatives will perform on The Black Beyond Measure Stage at Sheridan Memorial Park.
Chicago, IllinoisLaurence Burkley blows away flames coming from pan containing red hot coals, before placing them underneath barbeque grill containing ribs, chicken and hot links. He was at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Park, site of the 10th annual Juneteenth Celebration, hosted by the Tricounties African American Chamber of Commerce.
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Chicago is celebrating Juneteenth with some delicious food. The city is hosting its site of the 10th annual Juneteenth Celebration by lighting the grill and celebrating the community.