As we celebrate Juneteenth and continue to learn important and powerful lessons from our past, we turn our sights on the achievements and contributions made by black Americans who played (and continue to play) a central role in U.S. history.

Here are six interesting Juneteenth facts:

• Juneteenth is the oldest national commemoration of the ending of slavery in the U.S.
• The holiday's name is a blend of June and nineteenth.
• June 19 was technically the day Order No. 3 was dispatched, but that didn't mean instant freedom for Texas' nearly 250,000 enslaved people.
• The first Juneteenth celebration took place in Texas.
• Red drinks are a Juneteenth tradition. The color symbolizes resilience.
• Juneteenth is now officially a federal holiday.

If you're looking for ways to celebrate Juneteenth, you can support black-owned businesses and/or listen to black artists (June is also Black Music Month!) Check out this inspiring list of ideas from PureWow.

There are so many ways for all of us to connect, create awareness, educate, and support one another on this monumental day.

Happy Juneteenth,

From the entire SpeakInc team!