Juneteenth, the day that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States, has been observed 157 times so far. However, it only gained the federal holiday status last year, by acquiring the title: Juneteenth National Independence Day. 

This caused the United States to have two Independence Days, the other one being- the Fourth of July.

The question of why the country needs two days of independence days often surfaces. Here, we understand the reason behind it.

The answer is that the two holidays come from different historical events, and stand for different expressions of freedom. While July 4 celebrates national independence, Juneteenth looks at freedom at an individualistic level, the freedom of escaping the shackles of slavery. 

While the Declaration of Independence freed American colonists from the Crown, providing them the opportunity to be citizens of their states, it failed to do much for the thousands of African Americans who were enslaved, living at the mercy of their overlords.

On the other hand, the Revolution freed those who were enslaved, however, at the cost of finding freedom with the British.

After the Treaty of Paris brought an end to the Revolution in 1783, the triumphant Patriots called for the return of the formerly enslaved people. When the British refused, the Americans chased their demand for years.

Also Read: Why Juneteenth is not a paid holiday across the US

Today, the Fourth of July and Juneteenth stand far, far apart. While the former celebrates the right to create laws and communities, laws that can threaten outsiders, the latter, by contrast, celebrates the collapse of enslaver communities and governments through individual freedom.

Also Read: Why Walmart had to pull ‘Juneteenth’ ice cream product sale

As one looks up American independence on search engines, posters and t-shirts often show up with a specific message written on them. A message tells the tale of true freedom.

“July 4th didn’t set me free. Juneteenth is my independence day,” it reads.