Welcome to Fortified Living, where we honor life’s milestones with purpose and perspective—especially those that remind us of resilience, freedom, and the richness of history. One such moment is Juneteenth, a powerful day of remembrance and jubilation in African American history. Whether you’re new to the holiday or a longtime celebrant, there’s always more to learn and appreciate.

🌟 What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth—short for June Nineteenth—commemorates the day Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation and announce the end of slavery in Texas. This came more than two years after President Lincoln issued the Proclamation on January 1, 1863. The delayed news reached over 250,000 enslaved people in Texas—marking a delayed but life-changing freedom.

🎈 5 Fun Facts About Juneteenth

1. A Legacy of Celebration
   Juneteenth has been celebrated annually since 1866, making it the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in the U.S.
   
   

2. Red is the Color of the Day
   Traditional Juneteenth foods like red velvet cake, barbecue, and hibiscus punch symbolize resilience and sacrifice. Red pays homage to the bloodshed and strength of African ancestors.
   
   

3. Also Known as Jubilee Day
   Juneteenth has been called many things: Jubilee Day, Freedom Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day—each name emphasizing liberation and joy.
   
   

4. Texas Was First to Recognize It Officially
   In 1980, Texas became the first state to make Juneteenth an official state holiday.
   
   

5. It Became a Federal Holiday in 2021
   On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed Juneteenth into law as a U.S. federal holiday, finally giving the day national recognition.
   
   

🧠 5 Historical Oddities About Juneteenth

1. Freedom Took Over Two Years to Arrive
   Despite the Emancipation Proclamation taking effect in 1863, Texas didn't enforce it until 1865—highlighting how slow justice can travel.
   
   

2. General Order No. 3 Was the Official Notice
   The announcement in Texas was made via General Order No. 3, read by Major General Gordon Granger—a name not as well known as Lincoln, but just as pivotal that day.
   
   

3. Some Former Slave Owners Deliberately Delayed the News
   Some enslavers knew about the Emancipation Proclamation and purposely withheld the information to get one last harvest from enslaved labor.
   
   

4. Formerly Enslaved People Created “Freedom Colonies”
   After Juneteenth, many newly freed African Americans established their own self-sustaining communities, sometimes called Freedom Colonies, across the South.
   
   

5. Early Celebrations Were Held in Church Yards & Rural Areas
   Due to segregation laws, Black Texans were often denied access to public parks, so many Juneteenth celebrations took place in church fields, farms, and rural lands until Black communities purchased land to celebrate freely—like Emancipation Park in Houston, founded in 1872.

🧰 5 Resources to Learn More & Celebrate

1. National Museum of African American History & Culture – Juneteenth Portal
   Explore curated exhibits and multimedia focused on the history and meaning of Juneteenth.
   
   

2. Juneteenth.com
   One of the oldest websites dedicated to Juneteenth, featuring events, history, and educational materials.
   
   

3. PBS Juneteenth Resource Page
   A family-friendly collection of videos, documentaries, and reading lists.
   
   

4. The Smithsonian’s “What is Juneteenth?” Guide
   Straightforward facts from one of America’s most trusted institutions.
   
   

5. The Emancipation Proclamation – National Archives
   Read the original document that changed the course of U.S. history.
   
   

Fortify This!

At Fortified Living, we believe in honoring our past while building better futures. Juneteenth is more than just a holiday—it’s a spiritual reminder of hope, healing, and progress. Whether you celebrate with food, music, reflection, or community service, this day calls us to acknowledge the fight for justice and celebrate the joy of freedom.

So this Juneteenth, raise a glass of hibiscus tea or brew your favorite Club Fortified roast and toast to liberation, legacy, and life after 40 lived boldly.

📣 Stay fortified. Stay free. Stay inspired.
– The Fortified Living Blog | Club Fortified