Juneteenth, a holiday, widely celebrated by the African-American community in the US is observed on June 19 every year. The occasion is celebrated to mark the termination of slavery in the states. As the US celebrates its newest federal holiday, here are some facts about the day you should know:

Also Read: Who are the 14 lawmakers who voted against Juneteenth bill in US House?

Oldest holiday to commemorate the ending of slavery

On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger announced that all the enslaved people in the town of Galveston, Texas were freed. The holiday was widely celebrated by the black people in the state is the oldest holiday to celebrate the ending of slavery.

The period after Juneteenth is called ‘Scatter’

A part of General Gordon’s order recommended newly freed slaves remain with their masters. However, undeterred by the orders, some former slaves left the area as soon as the reading concluded in search of their friends and family and were scattered all over. Thus, this period after the celebration is called scatter.

Also Read: Who is Opal Lee, the ‘Grandmother of Juneteenth’?

Juneteenth has several other names

Juneteenth is also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Cel-Liberation Day, Second Independence Day.

Emancipation Park was bought to celebrate Juneteenth

The Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas was bought specially to celebrate Juneteenth. The 10-acre land was purchased in 1872 by former slaves, Richard Allen, Richard Brock, Jack Yates, and Elias Dibble for $800.