27 Powerful Juneteenth Trivia Questions and Answers

Juneteenth, also commonly known as Freedom Day, is the oldest known celebration of freedom from slavery in America. There are lots of fun facts and history about this holiday. Enjoy discovering them in our list of 27 Juneteenth trivia questions and answers.

This trivia explores the significance of June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Questions might delve into the historical context, like why it took so long for the news to reach Texas or the origins of the Juneteenth holiday. Trivia can also cover how Juneteenth has evolved over the years, becoming a symbol of African American freedom and a federally recognized holiday in the United States.

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Juneteenth Trivia

1. What does the word “Juneteenth” represent?

2. Who was the Union general who announced the end of slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865?

3. Which document, issued two years earlier, initially declared the freedom of slaves in Confederate states?

4. In which year did Juneteenth become a federal holiday in the United States?

5. What are the traditional colors associated with Juneteenth celebrations?

6. Which state was the first to recognize Juneteenth as an official state holiday?

7. What is the significance of the Juneteenth flag’s design?

8. What dish is traditionally associated with Juneteenth celebrations due to its symbolic color?

9. What role did the Black church play in early Juneteenth celebrations?

10. How long after the Emancipation Proclamation did enslaved people in Texas learn of their freedom?

11. What was General Order No. 3, and what did it declare?

12. Which African American holiday is often referred to as “America’s second Independence Day”?

13. What is the official name of the federal holiday commemorating Juneteenth?

14. Which president was the first to issue a proclamation recognizing Juneteenth?

15. What is a common practice during Juneteenth celebrations in communities across the United States?

16. How did the end of slavery in Texas impact the Reconstruction era in the United States?

17. Which African American leader and former enslaved person became a prominent figure during the early Juneteenth celebrations?

18. What major civil rights legislation was signed into law on the same date as Juneteenth, but in 1964?

19. Which popular television series featured a special episode dedicated to Juneteenth in 2017?

20. What do the colors red, black, and green represent in Juneteenth celebrations?

21. Which major U.S. city hosts an annual Juneteenth parade?

22. In what city is the annual Juneteenth festival, the ‘Festival of Freedom,’ held?

23. Who is commonly referred to as the ‘Father of Juneteenth’?

24. In what year did the first Juneteenth celebration occur?

25. In what city did the first Juneteenth celebration take place?

26. Which African-American author wrote extensively about the need for recognition of Juneteenth?

27. Which two states have official Juneteenth state holidays?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Juneteenth celebrated on June 19th instead of the day the Emancipation Proclamation was signed?

Juneteenth marks the day enslaved people in Texas were finally informed of their freedom in 1865—over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Is Juneteenth only celebrated in the Southern United States?

No—while it originated in Texas, Juneteenth is now recognized and celebrated nationwide, especially since becoming a federal holiday in 2021.

What are common modern Juneteenth traditions?

Celebrations often include parades, cookouts, community service, education events, musical performances, and displays of African American culture.