Pharrell Williams helped the Virginia governor announce Juneteenth as a state holiday, and Lizzo launched a new charitable silent auction.Rich Polk/Getty Images; Aaron J. Thornton/FilmMagic
- Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were told they were free.
- The holiday is symbolic to many Black Americans and 47 states currently recognize it in various ways, though it is not a national holiday.
- Many celebrities shared messages to fans and followers on the day of Juneteenth to open up about the meaning of the date.
- Beyoncé dropped a surprise single on Juneteenth, Lizzo announced a charitable initiative, and other celebrities encouraged people to be civically engaged.
Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865 — the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were told they were free.
The day is slowly becoming more widely celebrated throughout the US, with 47 states recognizing it in various ways, according to NPR. Some companies are also starting to observe Juneteenth as a paid holiday.
Many celebrities, including Taylor Swift, Tom Hanks, and Lupita Nyong'o, are pushing for Juneteenth to become a national holiday.
Other stars are celebrating and honoring the history of Juneteenth with their own voices and initiatives, and in the case of Beyoncé, a surprise single.
Here's how stars are marking Juneteenth weekend with social media posts and personal messages.