Juneteenth, a federal holiday since 2021, celebrates the full promulgation of the United States' Emancipation Proclamation. This historic federal decree, made by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, officially declared the 4 million enslaved Black Americans living in the United States at the time legally free. The news spread slowly, with Texas being the last Confederate state to announce the freedom of every American on June 19, 1865. Thus was the Juneteenth celebration born.

In New York City, Juneteenth is marked by a weekend-long program including artistic and athletic events. Highlights include a restaurant crawl featuring Black-owned businesses, an award ceremony, and concerts organized by Lincoln Center that showcase experimental jazz, soul, and award-winning composer Toshi Reagon's work.

Chicago too has an extensive celebration planned. The DuSable Museum of African American History hosts numerous events, while the Willis Tower's Emancipation Ball offers upscale festivities. The Bronzeville Art District Trolley tour and a Block Party in Hyde Park are other significant events.

Atlanta, a city known nationally and internationally as a hub of Black American history, hosts a myriad of events such as the 5K Freedom Run and the three-day Juneteenth Parade and Music Festival in Centennial Olympic Park. The Festival includes aerial flyovers, dance troupes, and a market featuring Black-owned vendors.

In Emancipation Park, Houston, Texas, the city's celebrations include lectures, the Freedom Run/Walk, and music festivities. This centennial-old tradition continues with a vendor market featuring merchandise from over 50 Black-owned vendors.

Muskegon, Michigan, gears up for its first annual Juneteenth Parade and additional festivities including family fun nights and social mixers at Mona Lake Park. Organizers aim to educate the entire community about the significance of the holiday.

Meanwhile, in California, local advocate Michael Harris is pushing for Juneteenth to be recognized as an official public holiday across California's cities. This advocacy comes in response to the disparate ways in which local governments mark the holiday, despite it being a federal holiday since 2021. Harris criticizes the 'quasi-optional' status of Juneteenth and argues for its universal observance.

Biden and Vice President Harris' White House Juneteenth concert was a notable celebration featuring performances across soul, blues, gospel, jazz, and hip-hop. Standout moments included Vice President Harris dancing with Kirk Franklin and Rep. Maxine Waters dancing with Doug E. Fresh. Both leaders underscored the importance of Juneteenth as a cornerstone for reflecting on and advocating for further freedoms.

Florida State Senator Shevrin Jones highlighted the significance of the Biden-Harris administration's efforts. He affirms that the designation of Juneteenth as a federal holiday symbolizes a tangible commitment to progress for Black America. The importance of figures like Opal Lee, known as the 'Grandmother of Juneteenth,' and the late Texas State Representative Al Edwards were also acknowledged.