On Juneteenth, we honor freedom, celebrate resilience, and reflect on the ongoing journey toward equality and justice.

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom from slavery, nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day is also known as Freedom Day, and it celebrates African American history through parades, festivals, family gathering, and red-colored foods symbolizing resilience and joy.

The earliest Juneteenth celebrations took place in on June 19, 1866, but Juneteenth did not become a federally recognized holiday until 2021. Thanks to the decades-long efforts of Dr. Opal Lee, an educator and activist from Texas, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth Independence Day Act on June 27, 2021. For her tireless efforts, Lee, known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, in 2024.

Why is it important to learn about Juneteenth?

Learning about Juneteenth is vital, as it commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and highlights the struggles and triumphs in the fight for freedom and equality. By learning about Juneteenth, we honor the resilience of those who endured slavery’s horrors and celebrate their quest for liberation. Understanding this history fosters empathy, promotes unity among diverse communities, and inspires ongoing efforts toward justice and equality. Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for civil rights and the importance of acknowledging and confronting the legacies of slavery in shaping contemporary society. The Library of Congress blog has a post on how Juneteenth was started.

Juneteenth Books in Cloud Library

Explore the significance of Juneteenth through an array of compelling narratives available in Cloud Library. From Angela Leeper’s exploration to Ralph Ellison and Charles Johnson’s perspectives, and Lisa A. Crayton’s reflections, we offer titles for all ages. To discover additional books on Juneteenth and related topics, simply search “Juneteenth” in Cloud Library. Embark on a journey of understanding, celebration, and commemoration with our diverse collection of literature, all accessible from wherever you are.