Juneteenth Resources
"Every Black person you meet is a miracle... We are valuable because of our humanity and declared valuable because our ancestors declared our worth when they fought for us to live."
Juneteenth isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s a profound symbol of freedom’s triumph over oppression. Dating back to June 19th, 1865, this day marks a watershed moment in American history when Major General Gordon Granger and Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas, carrying the electrifying news that the shackles of slavery had been shattered.
Imagine the scene: after years of bondage, the enslaved finally heard the long-awaited words – “You are free.” Yet, this liberation came two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, revealing the cruel reality of delayed justice and systemic resistance.
Why the delay? The stories vary, each echoing the depths of human struggle and resilience. Some speak of a messenger’s tragic fate, cut down on his journey to Texas with news of liberation. Others recount the sinister tactics of enslavers, withholding the truth to maintain their grip on power. And then there’s the haunting image of federal troops biding their time, allowing one last cotton harvest to line the pockets of slave owners before enforcing freedom.
But amidst the shadows of uncertainty, Juneteenth radiates with passion, defiance, and the unyielding spirit of those who dared to dream of a better tomorrow. It’s a day that symbolizes not just the fight for racial equality, but also the broader struggle for human rights – including women’s rights and the right to love whomever one chooses.
Juneteenth isn’t just a celebration; it’s a proclamation—a proclamation of resilience, of defiance, and of the enduring pursuit of freedom and love in all its forms. So as we honor this hallowed day, let’s do so with passion—with a fire in our hearts and a commitment to continue the fight for equality and justice for all.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth marks the day—June 19, 1865—when General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery. This proclamation came over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. Despite the delay, Juneteenth symbolizes the liberation of African Americans and the ongoing fight for equality and justice.
Why Celebrate Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is not only a time to reflect on the struggles and achievements of African Americans but also an opportunity to celebrate their resilience, culture, and contributions to society. It serves as a reminder of the importance of freedom, equality, and unity for all.
Resources for Learning and Celebration
Explore the links below to discover more about Juneteenth, its history, traditions, and contemporary significance:
History of Juneteenth: Delve into the origins and evolution of Juneteenth as a pivotal moment in American history.
Juneteenth Traditions: Learn about the various customs and traditions associated with Juneteenth celebrations, from family gatherings to community festivals.
Significance of Juneteenth Today: Understand the relevance of Juneteenth in modern times and its role in promoting awareness, education, and social justice.
Recipes and Food: Discover traditional Juneteenth recipes and culinary delights enjoyed during the festivities.
Music and Art: Explore the rich artistic expressions and musical traditions that accompany Juneteenth celebrations across the country.
Activism and Advocacy: Engage with resources highlighting ongoing efforts to address systemic racism, promote racial equality, and advocate for social change.
- Juneteenth Official Website
- Juneteenth Fact Sheet
- Emancipation Proclamation
- 198 Black-Owned Businesses to Support
- PBS Beginners Guide to Juneteenth
- Beginners Guide – How to Celebrate
- NY Times History of Juneteenth
- History of Juneteenth (Videos) – PBS
- Blackademics Spoken Word (Video) – PBS
- How to honor Juneteenth (Video) – CNN
- American Battlefield Trust – Juneteenth History
- DEI Organizational Culture for Juneteenth Resources
- Northwestern University Juneteenth Resource Guide
- Opal Lee Website
- Opal Lee Biography “Grandmother of Juneteenth”
- Juneteenth Digital Toolkit – NMAAHC
- The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth
- Juneteenth, explained by VOX
- The History and Impact of Juneteenth | Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom
- People’s Historians Online: Reconstruction and Juneteenth
- Women of Colour: Break Free From The Likability Trap
- Black Pioneers of the American Insurance Industry: The Biographies of Five Outstanding Black Entrepreneurs and the Lessons of their Legacies – by Jarrod “Rod” Powell Sr
- 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About African American History – by Jeffery C. Stewart
- River of Blood: American Slavery from the People Who Lived It: Interviews & Photographs of Formerly Enslaved African Americans – by Michael Williams
- Unsung: Unheralded Narratives of American Slavery & Abolition – by Schomburg Center
- On Juneteenth Hardcover – by Annette Gordon-Reed
- A Black Women’s History of the United States (ReVisioning History) – by Daina Ramey Berry
- Black People Invented Everything: The Deep History of Indigenous Creativity – by Dr. Sujan K. Dass
- More Beautiful and More Terrible: The Embrace and Transcendence of Racial Inequality in the United States – by Imani Perry
- The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration –by Isabel Wilkerson
- Deep South: A Social Anthropological Study of Caste and Class – by Allison Davis
- Libertie: A Novel – by Kaitlyn Greenidge
- Roots: The Saga of an American Family – by Alex Haley
- Kindred – by Octavia Butler
- Barracoon: The Story of the Last “Black Cargo” – by Zora Neale Hurston
- Scenes of Subjection: Terror, Slavery, and Self-Making in Nineteenth-Century America – by Saidiya Hartman
- Ain’t I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism – by Bell Hooks
- Black Fortunes: The Story of the First Six African Americans Who Escaped Slavery and Became Millionaires – by Shomari Wills
- The Souls of Black Folk – by W.E.B Du Bois
- The Book of Awesome Black Americans: Scientific Pioneers, Trailblazing Entrepreneurs, Barrier-Breaking Activists and Afro-Futurists – by Monique L. Jones
- 28 Overlooked Black Artists to Discover
- Black Artists Who Changed Art History
- How Black Culture Forever Changed the Music Industry
- 5 African American Works of Art Everyone Should Know
- The Importance of Celebrating Black Art
- African American Art: A Celebration Of Creativity, Heritage, and Cultural Resilience
Explore Unique Black Artists:
Uncover a culinary journey with talented Black chefs and their exquisite recipes below:
- Juneteenth: Dishes to Taste and Savor: Recipes from the Sweet Home Café Cookbook
- How Chef Deborah VanTrece Makes Some of the Most Unique Soul Food in Atlanta
- Blackened Catfish and Cheesy Grits
- Easy, Homemade Red Velvet Cake
- The BEST Southern Collard Greens
- Stewed Chicken
- Food History: Soul Food
- ‘Cooking Saved My Life’ — Being Taken Seriously As A Black Chef | Personal
- Cajun Chicken Wings
- Juneteenth Cocktail: The Hibiscus Sour
- Charleston Red Rice
- Juneteenth Food Traditions: All Red Everything
- The Best Foods To Celebrate Juneteenth With
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