Odutola Odupolu, a sophomore studying communications with an emphasis in journalism, said he first learned about Juneteenth when he was 19 years old while serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Oakland, California.

Odupolu said members of the local congregation discussed the holiday and shared their experiences during Juneteenth celebrations.

"I first learned about Juneteenth when I was 19," Odupolu said. "The holiday came up, and a bunch of representatives of the African American communities came up, shared speeches and gave heartfelt messages about why they loved their people."

Odupolu said Juneteenth was not something he encountered much growing up. His parents immigrated from Nigeria, and he said the holiday was not often discussed in his household.

He said he did not become familiar with Juneteenth until he started spending time with people who were already familiar with the holiday.

The history behind Juneteenth

According to the National Archives, Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3 in Galveston, Texas. The order informed enslaved people in Texas that they were now free, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.

The order stated that "the people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free."

Juneteenth celebrations began in Texas shortly after 1865 and spread to other parts of the country in the decades that followed. This year marks the 161st anniversary of the order.

"I think that Juneteenth helps everyone recognize the fact that there is a community," the now 21-year-old Odupolu said. "It helps people see that there is someone out there that is just like you."

Odupolu said understanding the history behind Juneteenth remains important.

"There is a history, and with being part of that history, the things that we say or do in regards to a certain race, ethnicity or culture really shape how well we empathize with them," Odupolu said.

He said that understanding history can help people better understand the experiences of those who helped shape the United States.