Historian Annette Gordon-Reed discusses the meaning and history behind Juneteenth, the holiday that has come to symbolize the end of slavery in the United States.

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Juneteenth is officially a national holiday.

This week, Congress rushed to pass a bill officially recognizing June 19, commemorating the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas were finally informed that they had been freed two years earlier by the Emancipation Proclamation.

Historian Annette Gordon-Reed grew up celebrating Juneteenth with her family and community in Texas. While the holiday started in the Lone Star state in 1866, it has grown in scope and prominence with celebrations across the country. In this episode, we talk with Gordon-Reed about her experience growing up in Texas, Black Americans’ lives during and after slavery, and the growing significance behind this historic holiday. Gordon-Reed is the author of a new book, “On Juneteenth.”

We also recommend you check out a new podcast at The Post called “Please, Go On.” It’s hosted by James Hohmann from the Opinions desk. This week on the show, Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs says the federal government needs to step in to protect voting rights. Listen to the episode here.

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The joys and struggle of Juneteenth