The tradition of Watch Night services in the United States dates back to Dec. 31, 1862, during the Civil War.

The 102nd United States Colored Infantry Regiment returned to Camp Ward on Saturday.

This coming Sunday, the nation stops to commemorate Juneteenth.

Juneteenth commemorates the announcement of emancipation of enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865.This happened more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863.

President Joe Biden will sign legislation into law on Thursday that officially makes Juneteenth a federal holiday -- the first new national holiday since 1983.

The Senate has passed a bill that would make Juneteenth, or June 19th, a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery.

The Detroit Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity Department has also partnered with numerous community leaders to host a series of virtual panel discussions through August as part of “Freedom Summer.” The series, Changing the Narrative, will address issues of equity, wealth and equality.

(AP Photo/John Locher)LOUISVILLE, Ky. The outcry has reverberated for weeks online and at demonstrations nationwide: Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor. Calls for action against the officers have gotten louder during a national reckoning over racism and police brutality following George Floyd's death in Minneapolis. That has left people, from protesters to celebrities, wondering why justice is slow to come in Taylor's case. It's definitely taking too long, it's definitely frustrating, said Kirstia Drury, 32, who joined street protests in Louisville after Taylor's death. He's executive director of advocacy group Christopher 2X Game Changers and has often served as a conduit between the Black community and Louisville officials during conflicts.

(AP Photo/Jim Mone)MINNEAPOLIS A special session of the Minnesota Legislature ended Saturday without agreement on remaking policing in the state where George Floyd was killed. I'm deeply disappointed that Senate Republicans ended the special session before our job was done," Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent tweeted. Were not walking away from Minnesota here, but I think we could all benefit from a breather, Gazelka said just before adjournment, Minnesota Public Radio News reported. The special session was necessary for Democratic Gov. If Walz seeks to extend his emergency powers an additional 30 days, he's required to call another special session for July 12 to let lawmakers object.

Protesters march in a Black Lives Matter demonstration organized by the Dallas Black Firefighters Association on Juneteenth 2020 in Dallas, Friday, June 19, 2020. Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to take control of the state and ensure all enslaved people be freed, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Former President Abraham Lincoln first issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Sept. 22, 1862, and it became effective the following Jan. 1. Word didnt reach the last enslaved black people until June 19 of that year, when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to Galveston, Texas. Kristi Noem proclaimed Friday as Juneteenth Day, but the proclamation does not make the day a state-recognized holiday.

LANSING, Mich. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a proclamation Wednesday declaring June 19, 2020 as Juneteenth Celebration Day" for the state. Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the day the last African American slaves were notified of their freedom in 1865. Im proud to declare June 19, 2020 as Juneteenth Celebration Day, and will continue to work tirelessly to create a state that is equal for all.The governor signed a similar proclamation last year to recognize Juneteenth Celebration Day. According to the proclamation, Michigan has recognized Juneteenth as a holiday for the last 16 years. Juneteenth -- also known as Jubilee Day or Freedom Day -- is a traditional holiday for many Americans, but is receiving more attention this year as the nation decries racism following the recent killings of multiple Black Americans.

Many Black Americans also celebrate a day of freedom called Juneteenth on June 19, which commemorates the day the last African American slaves were notified of their freedom in 1865. Much like the Fourth of July, Juneteenth -- also known as Freedom Day or Jubilee Day -- is celebrated around the country with parades, cookouts and community gatherings. Former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm named Juneteenth as a state holiday in 2005, declaring the third Sunday of June as Juneteenth National Freedom Day. This year, amid national unrest over the recent killings of Black Americans, Detroit is holding a weeklong celebration to commemorate Juneteenth. The city of Detroit began holding virtual discussions on Monday related to Black Americans culture and history on their Facebook Live.

DETROIT The city of Detroit is holding a weeklong celebration for Juneteenth. Juneteenth honors the day in 1865 when United States soldiers announced the news of the Emancipation Proclamation to enslaved African Americans in Texas. The official anniversary date is June 19. Starting Monday, June 15, the city of Detroit will hold a livestream discussion about civil rights, inclusion and opportunity. The event is set to start at 6 p.m. on Facebook.

Nike is joining a list of companies moving to make June 19 -- “Juneteenth” -- a holiday. The move is part of the company’s effort to recognize a nationwide move against injustice for Black Americans. Juneteenth honors the day in 1865 when United States soldiers announced the news of the Emancipation Proclamation to enslaved African Americans in Texas. Nike’s announcements included plans to diversify the company by increasing the number of Black, Latino and female employees. Related: Trump rally on Juneteenth in Tulsa called ‘slap in the face’