This year, Juneteenth comes as Congress struggles to pass sweeping legislation that would protect the rights of voters of color and the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which bolsters police accountability.
The day also drops into a culture war, as state legislatures attempt to ban school discussions of the long-lasting effects of slavery, systemic racism and critical race theory.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865 — the date when the last of America's enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were informed that President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation freed African Americans in rebel states.
What is Juneteenth?
After more than 100 years without national recognition, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday when President Biden signed it into law on June 17.
It is also recognized with some form of observance in every state — except for South Dakota — and the District of Columbia.
But other local or national actions dilute the holiday's meaning.
While Texas was the first state to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday, it also commemorates Confederate Heroes Day.
And recently, Texas House Democrats walked out of the state capitol to block passage of a bill which would limit certain ways of voting. Critics say the bill disproportionately affects people of color.
Critical race theory, a legal theory that explores the way slavery and racism continue to impact American society, is now a controversial topic of debate.
What is critical race theory?
Detractors dismiss critical race theory as a method for “teaching kids to hate their country.”
Republican lawmakers have banned it in some public schools, like in Florida, or passed bills to limit its content and funding, like in Iowa.
Learn more about Juneteenth at USATODAY.COM