120 Juneteenth Trivia Questions

Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19th, commemorates the moment in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It marks the symbolic end of slavery in the United States and stands today as a celebration of African American freedom, resilience, and cultural heritage.

As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “No one is free until we are all free.” Juneteenth is a day not just of remembrance, but also of renewed commitment to justice, equality, and unity. It’s a time to uplift Black voices, honor those who fought for freedom, and reflect on progress through powerful Juneteenth quotes, stories, and community gatherings.

Trivia can be a fun and engaging way to spread awareness and spark meaningful conversations. This collection of 150 Juneteenth trivia questions invites readers to explore the deep history of the holiday, celebrate Black excellence, and learn about the cultural impact of emancipation, civil rights, and community traditions.

For even deeper reflection, be sure to explore our collection of Juneteenth quotes that highlight the strength, hope, and power behind this important day.

History of Juneteenth (Beginner Level)

1. What date is Juneteenth celebrated?

2. What year did the first Juneteenth take place?

3. Juneteenth commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in which U.S. state?

4. Which U.S. president issued the Emancipation Proclamation?

5. When was the Emancipation Proclamation originally issued?

6. Who was the Union general who delivered the freedom news in Texas on June 19, 1865?

7. What was the name of the order General Granger issued in Galveston, Texas?

8. Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery?

9. What does the word “Juneteenth” combine?

10. In what year did Juneteenth become a federal holiday?

11. Who signed the legislation making Juneteenth a federal holiday?

12. What city in Texas is recognized as the birthplace of Juneteenth?

13. Which state was the first to make Juneteenth an official state holiday?

14. In what year did Texas declare Juneteenth a state holiday?

15. What did General Order No. 3 specifically announce to the people of Texas?

16. What major war ended shortly before Juneteenth?

17. What Union victory helped ensure the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation?

18. Which holiday is considered the longest-running African American holiday in the U.S.?

19. What was a major reason for the delay in freedom reaching Texas?

20. What organization was formed to help formerly enslaved people after emancipation?

Black Culture and Achievements (Intermediate Level)

21. Who was the first African American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature?

22. What African American scientist improved agricultural practices with peanuts and sweet potatoes?

23. Who was the first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice?

24. What genre of music originated in African American communities in the early 20th century and deeply influenced American culture?

25. What is the name of the first African American woman elected to the U.S. Congress?

26. Who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947?

27. What 1963 speech by Martin Luther King Jr. became a defining moment in the Civil Rights Movement?

28. What historically Black college did Vice President Kamala Harris attend?

29. Which Black inventor patented the automatic elevator door?

30. What poet and civil rights activist wrote “Still I Rise”?

31. What organization, founded in 1909, works to advance justice for African Americans?

32. Who was the first African American President of the United States?

33. What is the name of the Black-led art and culture movement that flourished in Harlem during the 1920s?

34. Who was the first African American woman to travel in space?

35. What famous boxer was known as “The Greatest” and also spoke out for civil rights?

36. What film became the first superhero movie with a predominantly Black cast and African cultural themes to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars?

37. Which Black entrepreneur founded the first major Black-owned beauty brand and became one of the first American women millionaires?

38. What is the name of the national museum dedicated to African American history and culture in Washington, D.C.?

39. Who wrote “The Souls of Black Folk”, a foundational text in African American literature and sociology?

40. What celebrated holiday commemorates African heritage, unity, and culture from December 26 to January 1?

Civil Rights & Activism (Advanced Level)

41. What was the name of the civil rights organization co-founded by Martin Luther King Jr. in 1957?

42. What landmark 1954 Supreme Court decision declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional?

43. Who refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955?

44. What 1965 event, also known as “Bloody Sunday,” involved a violent confrontation between peaceful protestors and law enforcement in Alabama?

45. Who led the Nation of Islam and later founded the Organization of Afro-American Unity before being assassinated in 1965?

46. What legislation, signed in 1964, banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin?

47. Which civil rights leader was the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize at age 35?

48. What protest action in 1960 involved four Black college students sitting at a “whites-only” lunch counter?

49. What was the Black Panther Party originally founded to do in Oakland, California, in 1966?

50. What phrase became popular after being chanted during protests following the death of Trayvon Martin?

51. Who was the first Black woman to run for President of the United States from a major party?

52. What was the name of the young Chicago boy whose 1955 murder galvanized the civil rights movement?

53. What was the name of the 1963 march where Dr. King gave his “I Have a Dream” speech?

54. What organization was co-founded by John Lewis and was instrumental in organizing sit-ins and freedom rides?

55. What act passed in 1965 aimed to eliminate barriers to Black voting rights, such as literacy tests?

56. Who was the civil rights activist and lawyer who became the first African American to argue a case before the Supreme Court?

57. What 1968 legislation was passed shortly after Dr. King’s assassination to combat housing discrimination?

58. What college did the Greensboro Four attend?

59. What woman co-founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and spoke at the 1964 Democratic National Convention?

60. What civil rights leader is often referred to as the “Mother of the Freedom Movement”?

Modern Celebrations and Observances

61. In what year did Juneteenth become a recognized federal holiday in the United States?

62. Which U.S. president signed the bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday?

63. What symbolic food is commonly served during Juneteenth celebrations for its connection to heritage and resilience?

64. What color is especially prominent in Juneteenth celebrations for its connection to blood, sacrifice, and strength?

65. What kind of cultural events are often held during Juneteenth?

66. Which U.S. state was the first to officially recognize Juneteenth as a holiday?

67. What date did President Biden sign the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law?

68. What city in Texas is widely recognized as the birthplace of Juneteenth?

69. What flag was specifically designed to represent Juneteenth?

70. What do the star and arc on the Juneteenth flag symbolize?

71. What year was the Juneteenth flag first created?

72. Who designed the Juneteenth flag?

73. What flower is sometimes associated with Juneteenth due to its presence in African American cemeteries?

74. Which two national colors are often combined with red and black in Juneteenth decorations to reflect African and African American heritage?

75. What social justice movement saw Juneteenth celebrations gain renewed national attention in 2020?

76. Which U.S. state was the last to officially recognize Juneteenth as a holiday?

77. What traditional African American dish is commonly served at Juneteenth gatherings?

78. What is the primary purpose of Juneteenth celebrations today?

79. Which federal department recognizes Juneteenth as a time for reflection, learning, and service?

80. What is a popular community activity on Juneteenth that educates participants about Black history?

Black Excellence in Sports, Arts, and Leadership

81. Who became the first Black president of the United States?

82. Which tennis player was the first African American to win a Grand Slam title?

83. Who was the first African American woman to win an Academy Award for Best Actress?

84. Which NBA legend is known as “His Airness”?

85. What African American filmmaker became the first to win Best Picture as a producer for 12 Years a Slave?

86. Who was the first African American woman elected mayor of a major U.S. city?

87. Which rapper and mogul became hip-hop’s first billionaire?

88. Who is known for the famous choreography of Revelations and founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater?

89. What American poet was the first Black poet to perform at a U.S. presidential inauguration?

90. Who was the first African American woman to win an Olympic gold medal?

91. What groundbreaking sitcom featured the Huxtable family and reshaped American television in the 1980s?

92. What young poet delivered “The Hill We Climb” at the 2021 presidential inauguration?

93. Who was the first African American Secretary of State?

94. What NFL quarterback became a symbol of protest after kneeling during the national anthem?

95. Which singer, known as the “Queen of Soul,” was the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?

96. Who was the first African American woman to host her own nationally syndicated daytime talk show?

97. What track star won four gold medals in the 1936 Berlin Olympics?

98. Who is the first African American woman to direct a film nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars?

99. Who was the first African American to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Drama?

100. What U.S. gymnast made history by winning four gold medals in a single Olympic Games?

Juneteenth Around the U.S.

101. What U.S. city hosts one of the largest annual Juneteenth celebrations, featuring parades, music, and community festivals?

102. Which major city declared Juneteenth an official paid city holiday in 2020, inspiring other cities to follow suit?

103. What popular U.S. tourist destination hosts Juneteenth Freedom Days with events like gospel concerts and storytelling?

104. In what U.S. state is Opal Lee, known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” from?

105. What did Opal Lee do in 2016 to raise awareness for making Juneteenth a national holiday?

106. What city in Illinois hosts an annual Juneteenth parade and a festival called “Juneteenth Village”?

107. Which West Coast city launched a major Juneteenth celebration called “Liberation Day” in the Bay Area?

108. Which southern state adopted Juneteenth as a state holiday in 2021, marking a major milestone in the South’s recognition of the holiday?

109. What is often held at state capitols across the country to honor Juneteenth?

110. What theme do many local Juneteenth celebrations focus on in addition to freedom and emancipation?

111. Which state, despite being the last to declare Juneteenth a legal holiday, now holds official Juneteenth events?

112. What traditional family-oriented activity is popular at Juneteenth picnics and festivals?

113. What public act often honors enslaved ancestors during Juneteenth?

114. Which city’s Juneteenth Festival includes a Miss Juneteenth pageant?

115. What is the name of the festival held annually in Milwaukee to celebrate Juneteenth?

116. What form of transportation is often featured in Juneteenth parades?

117. In what city is the “Juneteenth Freedom Festival” one of the largest multicultural events in the Pacific Northwest?

118. What do many churches hold on Juneteenth Sunday to reflect and celebrate?

119. What Washington, D.C. event features art, music, and community discussions around Black liberation and freedom?

120. What role does storytelling play in many Juneteenth gatherings?