Juneteenth is considered Emancipation Day for African Americans.
When I was growing up, I didn’t learn about Juneteenth from my family or from history books.
Fortunately, now, there is greater awareness of Juneteenth and much more information available.
Now I know that Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery
in the U.S.
The story goes that on June 19, 1865, the Union Army made it to Texas to tell the last known slaves
and slaveowners that the Civil War had ended and slavery was officially abolished.
The celebration of this anniversary is known as Juneteenth.
Ivan Henderson, vice president of programming for the African American Museum in Philadelphia.
What is Juneteenth?
According to juneteenth.com
“Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond.
Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics, and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement, and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long overdue. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities, and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.”
“One of General Granger’s first orders of business was to read to the people of Texas, General Order Number 3 which began most significantly with:
“The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer.”
The celebrations that followed the reading of the proclamation by General Gordon Granger began a tradition that has lasted for one hundred and fifty five years, and today is hosted in cities across America and beyond. The Juneteenth.com website is dedicated to this celebration and to those who tirelessly contribute to its continued existence and growth.”
Selected Articles about Juneteenth:
What Is Juneteenth? by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
https://www.pbs.org/wnet/african-americans-many-rivers-to-cross/history/what-is-juneteenth/
Interesting Facts About Juneteenth
https://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/rising/juneteenth/index.html
What Is Juneteenth? African American History Blog
By Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
https://www.pbs.org/wnet/african-americans-many-rivers-to-cross/history/what-is-juneteenth/
The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth – National Museum of African American History and Culture
Slavery Didn’t End On Juneteenth. Here’s What You Should Know About This Important Day
https://www.npr.org/2021/06/17/1007315228/juneteenth-what-is-origin-observation
Juneteenth | History, Meaning, Flag, Importance, & Facts – Britannica.com
- This edict issued by U.S. Pres. Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, freed more than 3 million enslaved people in the Confederate states.
- Contrary to popular belief, however, the edict didn’t end American slavery. Why?
- Why is the end of slavery celebrated on June 19th?
- In what state were celebrations first held in 1866?
- Celebrations in the U.S. declined in the 1960s, but what campaign renewed interest?
- Protests last year against what increased the urgency to make Juneteenth a federal holiday?
In-depth: Why Juneteenth continues to be important to African Americans and a push to make it a state holiday
Juneteenth is now a national holiday. What’s next?
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/juneteenth-national-holiday-now/story?id=78361064
Juneteenth: What is the newest US holiday and how is it celebrated?
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-57515192
How to Celebrate Juneteenth – The New York Times
https://www.nytimes.com/article/juneteenth-celebration-history.html
Reflections on Juneteenth and Hundreds of Ways to Support Black Businesses
Selected Juneteenth Videos
The Importance of Juneteenth
Juneteenth: What You Need to Know
Juneteenth: Freedom At Last
History of Juneteenth
What is Juneteenth?
Selected Books about Juneteenth:
Juneteenth Potluck: Clean and Quick Recipe Hacks for a Celebration of Independence
By JoAnna Bradley
The Story of Juneteenth: An Interactive History Adventure
By Steven Otfinoski
All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom
By Angela Johnson
Juneteenth
By Drew Nelson & Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Juneteenth for Mazie
by Floyd Cooper
Juneteenth: Children’s Guide to Celebrating African American Independence
by Shanita Arrindell
Juneteenth Jamboree
by Carole Boston Weatherford and Yvonne Buchanan
Freedom Day: A Juneteenth Activity Book for Kids
by Ama Karikari Yawson
The Ultimate Juneteenth Activity Book For Kids & Young Scholars
By K. S. Daniels
Juneteenth Book for Kids | Liberty & Justice for All
By Green Owl
https://amzn.to/3gAK6e2
Freedom Day Coloring Book: A Juneteenth Bee Coloring Activity Book for Kids of All Ages
by Freedom Press
Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth
by Alice Faye Duncan and Keturah A. Bobo
Juneteenth Coloring Book: Freedom Day Celebration For Kids
by Roberto Hofle
Juneteenth Coloring Book For Kids: A Celebration Of Freedom, Inspiring Emancipation Day
by Alexis Morge
Juneteenth: A Novel
By Ralph Ellison
How do you feel about, honor, or celebrate Juneteenth?
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