NPR

Four enduring myths about Juneteenth are not based on facts

As the U.S. celebrates the second federal holiday honoring Juneteenth, several myths persist about the origins and history about what happened when enslaved people were emancipated in Texas.
People take pictures next to a mural during a Juneteenth celebration in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 2021. Last year, the U.S. designated Juneteenth a federal holiday with President Joe Biden urging Americans "to learn from our history."

African Americans throughout the nation celebrate Juneteenth, but who knows what actually happened on June 19, 1865? As the nation observes the second federal legal holiday marking the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas, there are a number of misconceptions about the historical event that keep getting repeated.

: President Abraham Lincoln issued his on Jan. 1, 1863, and it's outrageous that it took

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR2 min read
At Least 4 People Are Dead After Tornadoes Slam Oklahoma, Iowa And Nebraska
Multiple tornadoes over several days leveled buildings and left a trail of damage in parts of the South and Midwest.
NPR6 min read
8 Tracks: Beyond The Grave, Johnny Cash Still Shows Us How To Make Music
A new Johnny Cash song got NPR Music producer Lars Gotrich thinking about music released after a beloved artist dies. Check out "Well Alright," plus new music by Arooj Aftab and Tems on 8 Tracks.
NPR5 min read
What Consumers Should Know As Philips Agrees To $1.1 Billion CPAP Settlement
Under a related deal, users who return devices by Aug. 9 can get an extra $100. As part of the recall, the company is offering repairs, replacements or refunds of the machines' cost.

Related Books & Audiobooks