CHAMPAIGN, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY)- In honor of Juneteenth, we are accepting nominations for Black-Owned Businesses in Champaign-Urbana in collaboration with The Vibe 97.9 radio to highlight 5 local businesses and their contributions to our community leading up to Juneteenth.

Each Business selected will receive a featured article on ChambanaToday and a radio schedule for the month of June on the Vibe 97.9.

To nominate a business click here.

In 2021, President Joseph Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which established an official holiday to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. The act became law, and the holiday was celebrated two days later.

As the United States prepares to celebrate its third official Juneteenth holiday, here is an in-depth look at what the day is all about. Origins of Juneteenth National Independence Day The origins of Juneteenth date back to June 19, 1865. Months after Confederate forces surrendered in the American Civil War, enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas were finally told they were free. Union soldiers arrived in Galveston and explained that slavery had been abolished and the war was over. This liberation actually took place more than two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Act, which freed enslaved people throughout the country. Juneteenth began as a regional celebration that was observed locally each year before becoming a state holiday in Texas in 1980. Juneteenth was subsequently recognized as a holiday in a number of other states before President Biden officially made the day a federal holiday in 2021. *While Juneteenth marks the date slavery was abolished not all slaves in America were freed with this law, including Black and Indigenous slaves.

Due to federal law, federal businesses are closed for Juneteenth. Private businesses may opt to close or remain open. Some may issue a floating holiday to those who would like to observe Juneteenth. Celebrations vary across the country. Some states host parades, and families and friends may gather to play games and enjoy food and other fun. Public readings or church services relevant to the holiday also may be part of Juneteenth celebrations.

 

*Correction made