Every June 19th is an American celebration to commemorate the emancipation of the enslaved in the US.
It was recently recognised as a federal holiday thanks to both the US Senate and President Joe Biden through a unanimous vote in 2019. It was originally President Abraham Lincoln who officially outlawed slavery in 1862 in the original confederacy states. However, due to major political issues at that time Delaware and Kentucky still continued with the practice until the 13th Amendment of the Constitution was finally passed in 1865.
The earliest known celebrations date back to 1866 and was a church-based gathering and was called Jubilee Day. These celebrations were used for the purpose of political rallies, to get the newly freed slaves to vote. Due to state-sponsored segregation, public parks among many other things could not be used for celebrations so freed people bought their own land to hold celebrations and celebrated in Austin in 1867. It was 1872 when pooled funds allowed black leaders to buy 10 acres for $1000 to celebrate Jubilee day. Jubilee Day became Juneteenth day by the 1890s.
Getting Further Information
Stay Educated
- What is Juneteenth? Here’s an informative 26-minute video
- Click here to watch a narrative interview series on the Black Lives Matter platform
- Other books, podcasts can be found here and here!
- Movies & Documentaries:
- 13th (Netflix or free on Youtube)
- The Kalief Browder Story (Netflix)
- I Am Not Your Negro (Netflix)
- Just Mercy
Stay Connected
- Attend a virtual panel of scholars that explore the origins and historical and current significance of of Juneteenth, hosted by the Smithsonian. (It’s free! Registration required).
- Teach your kids and teens about Juneteenth through activities and accessible books/audiobooks.
Charities to Support
There are a whole host of charities that you can support to help change current ongoing issues for the better. However, when you support a charity please ensure that you are supporting a charity that you believe in; read and know what they stand for and why they exist before donating.
