Every holiday is observed uniquely, reflecting diverse customs and practices. Juneteenth, a holiday of immense significance to the Black community, holds rich traditions. However, for some, it may serve as an opportunity to honor and commemorate rather than celebrate.
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. While the Emancipation Proclamation, enacted on January 1, 1863, may have been well known in certain regions, it took over two years for news of their freedom to reach the enslaved individuals in Galveston, Texas. Since that time, June 19th has been recognized as the day when slavery truly ended in the United States. Juneteenth is also referred to as Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day, and Freedom Day. Here are several ways for everyone to participate in honoring and commemorating this day:
Reflect in Community
One of the most accessible ways to honor Juneteenth is to engage with local commemorations of the holiday. Many cities and communities across the United States now hold events featuring music, food, activities, and parades. These gatherings aim to be inclusive of families and children, while others prioritize education and activism. Such events not only bring people together but also provide an opportunity to strengthen communities, continue the pursuit of racial justice, and educate more individuals on the invaluable contributions of Black culture in the United States.
For those in the Twin Cities, various commemorations are taking place throughout the weekend, including events organized by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Minnesota United, the Midtown Global Market and Cultural Wellness Center, and more!*
Engage through Media
Another powerful way to honor Juneteenth is by listening to podcasts, music, and watching movies created by Black artists that amplify Black voices. Consuming such media not only promotes learning but also cultivates empathy and appreciation for diverse cultures. There is an abundance of exceptional media offering unique perspectives on Black history in the United States, with documentaries being an excellent starting point. We recommend “Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom,” a documentary by Our Daily Bread available on YouTube, “Why is Juneteeth Important? With Rasool Berry” by the Jude 3 Project, or exploring online playlists of Black Gospel music for a reflective experience of worship.
Embrace through Education
As always, one of the most significant ways to commemorate any holiday is through education and understanding. Holidays exist not solely for celebration but also for remembrance. Just as Easter prompts us to celebrate and remember Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, Juneteenth compels us to acknowledge a painful history and recognize that emancipation and freedom are merely the initial steps towards establishing heavenly justice and equity on earth.
Take the time to read and comprehend the significance of Juneteenth, delving into resources that provide historical context, personal narratives, and insights into the struggles and triumphs of the Black American experience. Through education, we deepen our understanding, challenge systemic injustices, and work towards fostering a more just and equitable society.
Approaching Juneteenth, let us honor and commemorate with a commitment to social justice, a profound respect for the Black American experience, and a Christlike mindset that seeks to embody love, compassion, and equality for all. May this commemoration inspire us to effect lasting change and serve as a testament to the resilience and strength found within the Black community.
Below is a list of books that can help us remember the Emancipation in the United States, and to perhaps get a glimpse of how to continue moving forward to a state of greater freedom, justice, and opportunity for all.
- On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed
- Opal Lee and What it Means to be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth
- Juneteenth by Ralph Ellison
- How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith
- Black Ghost of Empire: The Long Death of Slavery and the Failure of Emancipation by Kris Manjapra
- Barracoon: The Story of the Last “Black Cargo” by Zora Neale Hurston
- A Black Women’s History of the United States by Daina Ramey Barrey and Kali Nicole Gross
- Frederick Douglass: A Prophet of Freedom by David W. Blight
- The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
- Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
- Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
- Just Us: An American Conversation by Claudia Rankine
*Please note that the mentioned events in the Twin Cities are subject to change. Please refer to local resources and official event listings for accurate information.
