Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating emancipation of enslaved black Americans. It is also often observed for celebrating African-American culture. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1865. The US will officially recognize Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in America, as a federal holiday after President Biden signed a bill into law on Thursday, 6.17.21. Charleston was one of the largest slave trading cities in the US. The old Exchange Building (pictured below) was one the most common sites of downtown slave auctions. Thousands of enslaved people were sold here along with real estate and other personal property.