Here is how Juneteenth came to be and why it's so important
First celebrated in 1866 in Texas, it's now a federal holiday.
June 18, 2024
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federal holiday
The Importance of Juneteenth - the Newest Federal Holiday
In 2021, Juneteenth became the latest federal holiday in the US — the first to be approved since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.
June 19, 2023
Why Juneteenth, Now a Federal Holiday, Is So Significant
June 19, 1865, marked the end of slavery in the U.S., and recognition of the date is spreading.
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June 19, 2022
President Obama Has Not Called for LGBT National Holiday
An article spoofing USA Today had said LGBT Americans would be formally recognized.
July 6, 2015
Opinion: Donald Trump doesn’t deserve to be celebrated on Presidents’ Day
Today is a day of mourning for an America that turned away from its founding ideals and into the grip of authoritarianism, writes John Casey.
February 17, 2025
On Juneteenth, Think About Black Americans
It's to be a celebration of emancipation, but the problems and pain if you're Black -- and queer -- still exist in Tulsa and elsewhere.Â
June 19, 2022
The Pride of Juneteenth
"Today is an embodiment of the principle that none of us are free until we all are free," writes NCLR's Imani Rupert-Gordon.
June 19, 2024
Petition: Give Trans Pioneer Marsha P. Johnson a National Holiday
A petition is asking for formal recognition of the late Stonewall veteran on her birthday.
August 23, 2019
What Kim Davis Does Instead of Working
Davis, an elected public official, earns $80,000 a year for a job she has refused to do.
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September 10, 2015
This Juneteenth and Pride Month, let's reflect on the intertwined struggles for freedom and equality
A reflection on the vibrant energy of June with Juneteenth and Pride Month, honoring the struggles and resilience of marginalized communities. How can we continue to fight for freedom and equality, standing in solidarity with all who seek to live authentically and without fear?
June 19, 2024
Let's name prisons, landfills, and volcanos after Trump, and put his Colorado portrait on the penny
Opinion: House Republicans give new definition to sycophants wanting to put Trump on U.S. currency, rename an airport, and stick his head on Mount Rushmore, writes John Casey.
March 25, 2025
The Significance of Juneteenth
On this date in 1865, the news of slavery's end came to the last state practicing it. It's become a day to celebrate and reflect on African-American history.
June 19, 2020
The Juneteenth flag is full of symbols. Here’s what they are and what they mean
The flag is the brainchild of activist Ben Haith, founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation (NJCF).
June 19, 2024
The Advocate's CEO Reflects on the Profound Significance of Juneteenth
"Today, let us reflect on our actions, our efforts, and our impact," says Mark Berryhill.
June 19, 2023
Coretta Scott King dies at 78
King is being remembered as a tireless advocate for African-Americans, women, and gays and lesbians.
January 31, 2006
Judy Shepard, Nancy Pelosi, and queer scientist Jane Rigby among Medal of Freedom honorees
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor.
May 3, 2024
Pete Buttigieg Honors Fallen Comrades on Memorial Day
The Navy veteran took a moment to remember fellow members of the military who died in Afghanistan and beyond.
May 28, 2019
Yvie Oddly spills the tea on 'All Stars' season 7 and toxic fans in new memoir (exclusive)
The RuPaul's Drag Race season 11 winner tells The Advocate about her new memoir All About Yvie: Into the Oddity and all the drama it dishes.
June 14, 2024
Obama Wins N.C.; Clinton Leads in Indiana
Barack Obama won North Carolina's Democratic presidential primary Tuesday, while Hillary Rodham Clinton eked out a win in Indiana.
May 7, 2008