In History, Today on June 19

King Louis IX of France orders all Jews found in public without an identifying yellow badge to be fined ten livres of silver.

The U.S. Congress prohibits slavery in United States territories, nullifying the Dred Scott decision.

Union General Gordon Granger arrives in Galveston, Texas, and announces the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation, effectively freeing the last remaining enslaved African Americans in the United States. This day is celebrated as Juneteenth.

The first Father's Day is celebrated in Spokane, Washington, initiated by Sonora Smart Dodd to honor her father, a Civil War veteran and single parent.

The Communications Act of 1934 is signed into law, establishing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to regulate interstate and international communications.

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are executed for conspiracy to commit espionage for the Soviet Union, marking a controversial moment in Cold War history.

Kuwait declares independence from the United Kingdom, ending its status as a British protectorate.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is approved by the United States Senate after a lengthy filibuster, paving the way for its eventual passage and signing into law.

Garfield, the comic strip created by Jim Davis, makes its debut in 41 newspapers.

The Basque separatist group ETA declares a ceasefire in Spain, although it would later resume its activities.

Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar surrendered to authorities, marking a significant moment in Colombia's fight against drug cartels.

The United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1308, addressing the impact of HIV/AIDS on peacekeeping operations.

The War in North-West Pakistan continued with the Pakistani military launching an offensive against Taliban militants in the Swat Valley.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange sought asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy in London to avoid extradition to Sweden over allegations of sexual assault.

Felipe VI was proclaimed King of Spain following the abdication of his father, King Juan Carlos I.

The United States Treasury announced that a woman would be featured on the redesigned ten-dollar bill, marking the first time in over a century that a woman would appear on U.S. paper currency.

The United States announced its withdrawal from the United Nations Human Rights Council, citing alleged bias against Israel.

Juneteenth was officially recognized as a state holiday in New York, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.