NEW YORK—In 2021, President Biden declared Juneteenth a federal holiday, firmly cementing the importance of this holiday that has long been celebrated in the U.S. Juneteenth, which falls on June 19 each year, commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S.—it does not mark the day that President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, but rather the day two years later when Union Army Major General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas and informed enslaved people there of their freedom, CNN reported.

Across the country, millions of people celebrate Juneteenth in their own special ways. These celebrations include parades, parties, community events, commemorative moments and more. Members of the optical community also celebrated this Juneteenth—here’s a look at some of those celebrations.

Black Eyecare Perspective celebrated Juneteenth and shared a list of ways to “shine a spotlight on Black optometrists and their valuable contributions to the field of eyecare.” Image via blackeyecareperspective on Instagram


Optician Utenzi Miller hosted a community Juneteenth event at her location Elegant Eyes in East Orange, New Jersey. The event included a food truck, movie ticket giveaways, discounts on eyewear and more. Image via utenzimiller on Instagram


Independent eyewear brand Liberated Eyewear shared some important Juneteenth history on Instagram. Image liberated__eyewear on Instagram


The team at Nilsen Eye Care in Richmond and Powhatan, Virgnia, shared a message on Instagram for Juneteenth. Image via nilseneyecare on Instagram


The team at Eyes on Broadway in Hewlett, New York, wished peace, love and kindness to all on Juneteenth. Image via eyes_on_broadway on Instagram


In Michigan, Henry Ford OptimEyes shared some information about Juneteenth and why it is celebrated. Image via hfoptimeyes on Instagram


Huntley Eye Care in Huntley, Illinois, closed in honor of Juneteenth and shared a beautiful image to celebrate the holiday. Image via huntleyeyecare on Instagram


Dr. Tavel, in Indiana, wrote, “Juneteenth celebrates the freedom of Black people in the United States, serving as a reminder to strive for a world where equality and justice are not just seen, but genuinely experienced by all.” Image via drtavel on Instagram