Juneteenth is a day celebrated with festivals and parades across the country, but its significance is often overlooked.

Kitty Rice has helped organize Juneteenth celebrations in Syracuse for more than 25 years. She says one violent incident in 2007 has overshadowed the holiday in the city for years.

“To me, it’s an opportunity," said Rice. "It forms a basis for the annual observance of the 13th Amendment."

On June 19, 1865, three years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, slaves in Texas finally learned about their freedom.

“It also is an opportunity to share with the entire world the achievements and accomplishments of the African-American people, even though they face incredible odds,” said Rice.

More than 150 years later, the day is now an official state holiday thanks to legislation signed by Gov. Cuomo last year.

Now, congressional representatives are expected to pass a bill that would make it a federal holiday.

“In the past year, as we’ve increased focus and attention on social justice and racial justice issues, I think taking that action on the federal level would send a strong message to the community about the importance of Juneteenth,” said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh.

The recognition of Juneteenth is also being recognized by employers.

National Grid is giving workers the day off and company leaders are making an effort to educate employees on the day’s history.

“On one hand, it is a celebration of the emancipation of slavery, but it’s also a call to action because all of us can do something,” said National Grid global chief diversity officer Natalie Edwards. “No matter how big or small. It does add up to the change we want to see.”