In 2021, Juneteenth became a national holiday- and for many this was their first time hearing about the holiday. But this day isn’t about a free day off work or no school. This holiday has been celebrated by Black Americans for years. The legacy of Black Americans is often overlooked by this country which is why July 4th is not the day that marks their independence - June 19th is!
Juneteenth marks the 19th day in June 1865, when Black people in Galveston, Texas were informed — two years after the Emancipation Proclamation — that slavery was abolished, and the civil war ended. This brought liberation to Black Texans (and Black Americans everywhere). The significance of Juneteenth is more relevant now than ever, because “freedom” is represented in Black communities through their influence, art, music, and cultural foods.
We hope the information, events, actions, and suggestions of Black-led organizations to support will strengthen your commemoration of Juneteenth.
History/ Community /Social Justice
History of Juneteenth: Information for kids
From Juneteenth to Reparations: Reclaiming Our Stolen Stories
Juneteenth Virtual Toolkit – Smithsonian
Juneteenth Foods and Traditions
Juneteenth: Teaching Outside the Textbook
Celebrating Juneteenth: Books from Penguin Random House
Economy:
How Systemic Racism Keeps Black Americans Out of Investing
Shop Black Owned: Green America
How One City Beat the U.S. to Making Juneteenth an Official Paid Holiday
Realizing Reparations – YES Magazine Series
Environment:
8 Black Leaders Who've Revolutionized the Climate Movement
Black Americans’ Connection to Land Leads to Serenity
Maine Public Radio – Living on Earth Juneteenth Special
Events:
Search “Juneteenth” and your city or state to find celebrations and ways to volunteer near you
Juneteenth Festival 2025 – Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission
Central Park Conservancy – Celebrate Juneteenth
A Guide to Philly Juneteenth Celebrations
10+ Uptown NYC Events Celebrating Juneteenth
How to Celebrate Juneteenth 2025 in Chicago
NBC – Honoring Juneteenth in Los Angeles
Black Women for Wellness – Juneteenth Boots on the Ground Celebration in LA
MFA Boston – Juneteenth Open House
Header photo: Three young women celebrate Juneteenth in Grant Park, Chicago on June 19, 2020. Photo by Antwon McCullen.
