Juneteenth celebrated nationwide

(CNN)- Cities across the country are honoring Juneteenth, the nation’s youngest federal holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States.

“More and more people in our community are starting to understand the importance of this holiday,” said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

Observed on June 19, Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom — more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

“On June 19 in 1865, the last of the enslaved people of African descent in Galveston, Texas, got word of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, which happened two years earlier,” explained Milwaukee Alderwoman Milele Coggs.

In 2021, former President Joe Biden signed legislation officially recognizing Juneteenth National Independence Day as a federal holiday, thanks in part to tireless advocacy from people like Opal Lee, often called the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.”

“None of us is free until we’re all free, and we’re not free yet,” Lee said. “There are too many disparities.”

Despite its federal recognition, Juneteenth is not a permanent state holiday in every state. In West Virginia, for example, Kanawha County Commission President Ben Salango noted that while some county buildings are closed, state workers still had to report to work.

This year, some celebrations have been scaled back due to safety concerns and what organizers say is a rising resistance to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

“It’s important for all of us to stand up to say we will not turn back,” said Mayor Johnson.

In New York, Deputy Mayor Tiffany Raspberry called Juneteenth “a celebration of freedom and a day to remember those who came before us.” Mayor Eric Adams echoed the spirit of perseverance, saying, “You just need to lace up your goddamn sneakers and make sure you win the race and run your mile. That’s what Juneteenth is about.”