As we begin the month of June, we recognize the impact of the LGBTQ+ community, celebrate immigrants across the U.S. and honor the day in 1865 when slaves in Texas and Louisiana learned they were free.

LGBTQ+ Pride Month

June is Pride Month, when the world’s largest LGBTQ+ communities come together and celebrate the freedom to be themselves. The original organizers chose the month of June to pay homage to the Stonewall uprising in June 1969 in New York City, which helped spark the modern gay rights movement. LGBT groups celebrate this special time with pride parades, picnics, parties, memorials for those lost to hate crimes and HIV/AIDS. The last Sunday in June is Gay Pride Day.

Learn more about the Stonewall uprising, and explore other ways to commemorate Pride Month here.

Immigrant Heritage Month

Established in June of 2014, Immigrant Heritage Month gives people across the United States an opportunity to annually explore their own heritage and celebrate the shared diversity that forms the unique story of America. It celebrates immigrants across the U.S. and their contributions to their local communities and economy.

Learn more about Immigrant Heritage Month and the contributions of immigrants here.

June 19

Juneteenth

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is observed as a public holiday in 14 U.S. states. This celebration honors the day in 1865 when slaves in Texas and Louisiana finally heard they were free, two months after the end of the Civil War.

June 19, therefore, became the day of emancipation for thousands of African Americans. Learn more about Juneteenth here.