Caught Between Two Dates:When Should Juneteenth Be Celebrated

Juneteenth, a blend of the words “June” and “nineteenth,” marks a critical turning point in American history, the true end of slavery in the United States. While it is now recognized as both a federal and state holiday, the exact date of observance varies, creating confusion and sparking a deeper conversation about how we remember our past and celebrate freedom.

The History and Significance of Juneteenth

The story of Juneteenth begins on June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3, informing the last enslaved African Americans that they were free. This moment came two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.

Texas was the most remote of the Confederate states, and the delay in enforcement was due to minimal Union presence and resistance from slaveholders. When word finally arrived, it sparked spontaneous celebrations among newly freed people. That first jubilation became an annual tradition known as Juneteenth, the nation’s oldest commemoration of the end of slavery.

While the Emancipation Proclamation only applied to states in rebellion, full abolition came later that year with the ratification of the 13th Amendment in December 1865, which officially outlawed slavery in the United States.

From           New Jersey to National Holiday

Initially observed primarily in Texas and surrounding Southern states, Juneteenth has evolved into a nationwide celebration of freedom, resilience, and African American culture. Communities honor the day through parades, educational events, barbecues, music, and reflections on civil rights and social justice. Harrison does not do any of the latter.

In 2020, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation making Juneteenth a state holiday. While originally intended to be celebrated on June 19, an amendment shifted the state observance to the third Friday in June. This year, in 2025, New Jersey will mark Juneteenth on Friday, June 20, while the federal holiday remains on Thursday, June 19.

The federal designation came in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. This marked the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.

A Tale of Two Dates: June 19 or the Third Friday?

The divergence between state and federal observance dates has left many communities, including Harrison, New Jersey, puzzled. Should Juneteenth be celebrated on its historic date, or is the convenience of a long weekend preferable?

Supporters of celebrating on June 19th argue that historical accuracy matters. That date is not arbitrary—it marks a specific moment of liberation, and diluting it to accommodate work schedules undermines its gravity.

On the other hand, celebrating on the third Friday of June allows more people to participate in events, take part in reflection, and spend time with family without weekday conflicts. Proponents say this extended flexibility honors the holiday’s spirit through broader community engagement.

But the question remains: Should New Jersey and the federal government align their calendars to a single date? Having two different official observance dates risks diluting the message, especially for younger generations still learning the history.

A Day of Remembrance, Reflection, and Joy

Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of America’s unfinished journey toward justice. It’s a day to honor the lives lost to slavery, celebrate African American achievement, and continue the push for equity and inclusion. Whether marked on June 19 or a nearby Friday, what matters most is preserving the holiday’s meaning.

In Harrison and across the nation, observances include not only festive celebrations but also educational discussions, civil rights programming, and opportunities for dialogue. Community groups, schools, churches, and public agencies all play a part in ensuring Juneteenth is not just a day off—but a day of purpose.

Join the Discussion

What do you think?

Should Juneteenth be celebrated on its historic date, June 19? Or does the third Friday of June make more sense for a modern, accessible observance?

📣 Tell us what you think on our Community Discussion Board. Not a member yet? Sign up today and be part of the conversation that shapes how Harrison honors our shared past and future.

Juneteenth is not just history—it’s a call to action. Let’s honor the legacy. Let’s get the date right. And most importantly, let’s never stop striving for freedom, unity, and justice for all.