What to know about Juneteenth

Juneteenth, a more recent federal holiday, is dedicated to celebrating the freedom of formerly enslaved Black people. Events take place across the country on June 19 to commemorate the day in 1865 when the last slaves in Texas were notified of the Emancipation Proclamation, which marked an official end to the U.S. Civil War.

This year, the holiday falls on a Thursday. 

Here’s all you need to know about the approaching celebration:

When did Juneteenth become a federal holiday?