The future is bright. Courtney and Derrick meet the young people who are part of Houston's future

Days after Congress passed a law proclaiming Juneteenth a federal holiday, Texas Tribune photographers captured how Texans celebrated June 19.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates the enforced end of slavery in Galveston on June 19, 1865, three years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Texas Highways, an online travel magazine published by the Texas Department of Transportation, compiled a list of socially-distanced Juneteenth celebrations happening across the state. HoustonJune 19 - Dec. 31Discover the rich history of Houstons African American community. Juneteenth Jubilee in Edinburg includes live music streaming of several bands, keynote speakers, performances, and a serving of soul food. WacoJune 20Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce organizes this annual parade, which is approved to take place this year.

The holiday -- named for and celebrated on June 19 -- commemorates the true ending of slavery in the United States. From its celebratory roots in churches across Texas, Juneteenth remains short of a national holiday -- for now -- but is recognized nationwide in most states. This year's Juneteenth will get high-profile recognitions via Alicia Keys and John Legend's "battle of the pianos" for Verzuz's Instagram Live and the "Black History Month Spectacular" on AMC's Sherman's Showcase. In looking ahead to celebrations outside the ongoing pandemic, there is a Change.org petition to make Juneteenth a national holiday. 93-year-old Opal Lee is a relentless champion for making Juneteenth a national holiday.