Ryan Seacrest

Ryan Seacrest

Ryan is quite simply one of the most influential, well-regarded, and well-known names in Hollywood. He is the quintessential Hollywood insider who...Full Bio

 

What Is Juneteenth? Sisanie Breaks Down Freedom Day

Today is Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day. As Sisanie explained on-air on Friday, June 19, it commemorates the day when slavery officially ended in the United States on June 19, 1865.

On January 1, 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation proclamation. It took more than two years for that news to reach enslaved African-Americans in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. We honor and celebrate the day that all Black Americans became free, and we continue to fight for racial equality for all Black Americans.

In 1980, Texas became the first to name Juneteenth a state holiday and, currently, all but three states recognize it. The holiday is considered a time to reflect and celebrate liberation. This year, companies are also getting on board in light of the nationwide protests sparked by George Floyd's death and the fight against systemic racism and giving employees the day off.

Listen back to Sisanie’s breakdown above for more and join us in celebrating #Juneteenth.


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