Most Americans today are aware that the Emancipation Proclamation set free individuals bound by chattel slavery. A lesser-known fact is that many of those people weren’t immediately informed of their newfound legal freedom. On June 19, 1865, Black citizens of Galveston, Texas heard the news that they were no longer slaves. The anniversary of the announcement that liberated the last group of enslaved people is known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, Emancipation Day, or, most popularly, Juneteenth.
Traditionally, people have celebrated Juneteenth by donning new clothes at church services and community meals. Juneteenth activities have evolved to any form of observance that allows the Black American experience to shine. Learn more about how and why you should celebrate Juneteenth this year and in years to come.
Book, Film, and Television Recommendations
The sharing of knowledge through books and film is one of the most accessible ways to learn about cultures. In an effort to understand his own family’s lineage, author Alex Haley traced his ancestry all the way back to the village of Juffure in The Gambia. Drawing on this history, Haley wrote the novel turned mini-series Roots, a work of historical fiction that follows several generations from captivity to emancipation. Amistad is another film that highlights slaves longing to be free. Watch the uprising of a group of slaves to find out if they’re able to earn their freedom without the help of the law.
Many artists have incorporated magical elements into their work to bring some levity to the severity of the topic or challenge our understanding of historical events. Ta-Nehisi Coates’s debut novel The Water Dancer uses surreal elements to tell the story of an enslaved family longing to be free. Coates merges history with fantasy to follow a young slave searching for memories of his mother. In the novel Kindred, Octavia Butler uses time travel to explore what would happen if a modern Black American woman had to endure the perils of chattel slavery. Investigating the answer to that same question, the film Antebellum follows the abduction of a successful author who suddenly finds herself enslaved. Using books and movies to enhance your knowledge of historical and contemporary Black experiences is a great way to amplify the voices of Black creators and learn about the historical context of Juneteenth.
Juneteenth Activities and Celebrations
Expanding your knowledge of Juneteenth doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. Attend a community event to learn more about the holiday and make friends at the same time. For avirtual event options, check out this virtual webinar Juneteenth: Paying Tribute to the Journey with the Austin Acts of Kindness Meetup group.
Consider using all the knowledge you’ve gathered to give back to the community. Though the Emancipation Proclamation prevented the enslavement of any American citizen, we still have a long way to go toward equality. Volunteering at a community garden relieves the strain of urban food deserts. Participating in a book drive helps promote education and literacy among local students. Both of these struggles disproportionately impact minority communities. Assess your own skills and resources to further advance equity and equality for Black Americans.
What’s a holiday without a little celebration? Juneteenth is an excellent occasion to attend a social event and meet new people. Fortunately, there are Juneteenth events happening around the country. You can link up with the NYC-based Shorewalkers Meetup group at their Juneteenth Celebration in Historic Richmond Town. Or link up with the New York & New Jersey “Chicago Style” Steppers at their Steppin’ for Juneteenth at Londel’s event on Saturday, June 17.
Finally, you can celebrate Juneteenth with your own event! Host a party to get in on the fun. If you’re looking for menu inspiration, check out the recording of chef and cookbook author Rosie Mayes on Meetup Live for her take on spicy catfish and collard greens. If you plan on hosting a Juneteenth cookout, make sure you’ve brushed up on the rules of spades, because, believe me, no one is going to teach you on the spot.
Whether you watch a talk on Black history, read books that expand your knowledge, or share a delicious meal with new friends, we hope you’ll create lasting connections on June 19.
Last modified on June 13, 2023
