Juneteenth is not just a federal holiday but is an observance of the perseverance and determination of African Americans throughout our Nation’s history. Early in his Presidency, President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law commemorating June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas were informed of their emancipation. Juneteenth became the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was adopted in 1983.

Juneteenth serves as a reminder to all Americans of the history and progress made by African Americans and their empowerment today. In recognition of the Juneteenth holiday, the Juneteenth flag will fly over the Commerce Department this week.

The Biden Administration and the Commerce Department are committed to equality and diversity and creating an economy that works for all Americans. 

For more information, please see the White House Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Actions to Protect and Preserve Our Nation’s African American History Ahead of Juneteenth National Independence Day.