A whole host of influential celebrities commemorated Juneteenth with gushing tributes in honour of the federal holiday.
The day, which is seen by many as America's second Independence Day, falls on June 19 every year in memory of the day in 1865 when General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, one of the last bastions of Confederate slavery and announced that enslaved people in the state were free.
Although it has been celebrated for over 150 years, it wasn't until 2021 that President Joe Biden proclaimed it a federal holiday.
And with each year that passes, more people are recognising the importance of the American holiday, especially celebrities, who were sure to use their platform to highlight the occasion this year.
Beyoncé delighted her fans as she took to her Instagram to reveal that everything she had worn on stage at Amsterdam's Johan Cruijff Arena as part of her Renaissance World Tour was created exclusively by Black designers, including designs by her own IVY Park label.
"In honor of Juneteenth, everything I wore for RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR tonight was created exclusively by Black designers," the mother of three gushed.
The designers that she wore included Maximilian Davis for Ferragamo, Olivier Rousteing for Balmain, Ibrahim Kamara for Off White, Ethiopian designer Feben for her eponymous line, Laquan Smith, and of course, IVY PARK.
Meanwhile, Barack Obama tweeted: "On Juneteenth, we commemorate the anniversary of the delayed but welcome news of freedom reaching the enslaved Black folks in Galveston, Texas. It's a reminder that even in the darkest hours, there is cause to hope — and a reason to keep building a country that lives up to its highest ideals."
His wife Michelle added on her Twitter account: "Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom—a chance to pay tribute to countless advocates, activists, and changemakers and the work they did to build a more perfect Union.
"I can't think of a more meaningful way to honor the actions of so many who came before us than by registering to vote. You can check your registration status at http://weall.vote/check #Juneteenth."
Meanwhile, Kerry Washington shared a fun-filled video of her swimming, writing: "To all my sisters out there, on this #Juneteenth and on EVERY day, make sure you do the things that let you lean into your LIBERATION!"
Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson shared a series of snaps from the White House, writing: "Last week, I got to bring my kid and my boys to the White House for the first-ever Juneteenth Concert on the South Lawn. So special to be able to share this historic moment with them. Thank you, President @joebiden and Vice President @kamalaharris for the invitation. We will never forget it. Happy #Juneteenth, everyone!"
Lizzo shared a glamorous snap of herself wearing a Miss Black America pageant sash as she announced her Fourth Annual Juneteenth Giveback Campaign with Propeller.
"HAPPY JUNETEENTH, never forget this is a holiday celebrating black liberation."
She continued: "It's Lizzos Juneteenth GiveBack season! Stay tuned cus I'm giving 50,000 EVERY DAY to black-led grass roots businesses & organisations. This year we're putting a spotlight on our Trans family — because we ain't free until we all free. GO TO LIZZOLOVESYOU.COM to WIN a FREE TRIP to JAPAN to see ME PERFORM and GIVE BACK BLACK."
And US President Joe Biden, who officially made Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021, wrote: "This Juneteenth, we remember that the promise of America is that we're all created equal. And my promise to you is that I'll never walk away from that. Let's move forward, together."
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