Photo credit Kathy Corbett
Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when federal troops informed enslaved people in Texas they were free. The North Gorham Public Library prepared a book exhibit that explains the significance of the date and encourages patrons to learn more about the history of slavery and the ongoing fight for racial justice.
Over the years since 1865, Juneteenth has become an annual celebration recognized in 47 states, including Maine in 2011. This June, the State Legislature made June 19 a paid holiday for state workers beginning in 2022, and on June 17 President Joe Biden signed the bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday.