On January 1, 1863, President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation and freed all the enslaved people in the Confederate states. Because some states were still under Confederate control, the proclamation could not be enforced everywhere. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers marched into Texas – the last state to still uphold slavery – and freed the remaining enslaved people. Juneteenth is now a federally recognized holiday to commemorate this day. Many people celebrate with family gatherings, parades, festivals, and other expressions of joy. Below are some books about Emancipation, Juneteenth, and celebrating Black joy!