June 18, 2020
Juneteenth, also known as “Juneteenth Independence Day,” “Emancipation Day” or “Freedom Day” is an annual holiday celebrating the day in history that Union Gen. Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and informed the enslaved African Americans there that they were free and that the Civil War was finally won. On June 19, 1865, his arrival and announcement put into widespread effect the Emancipation Proclamation, even though it was issued more than two years prior by President Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863. The holiday’s name is a portmanteau of the words “June” and “nineteenth.”
In light of the nation’s reckoning with systemic racism and ongoing protests over the murder of George Floyd and too many other Black individuals murdered at the hands of police, this year’s Juneteenth celebration may look different to Americans. This year, we recognize that the struggle for true racial equity in America is far from over, and that, today, the legacy of slavery and racism in America is not just a historical event, but a modern-day reality that must be addressed.
As the holiday approaches, we recognize that members of this multiracial nation will commemorate Juneteenth differently. ADL’s Civil Rights and Education teams curated the following list of resources to help make the most of this year’s Juneteenth, whether you are rejoicing, resting, reflecting, learning or taking action.
Celebrate:
Attend the virtual Juneteenth Digital Block Party (register here) on Zoom at 3 PM ET. Scheduled activities for all ages (i.e. crafting, panel discussions, and performances). For more information: @nycjuneteenth on Instagram
Support:
Black Owned Businesses (food, apparel, etc.). Find your local businesses here.
Learn more about Juneteenth:
“Juneteenth Should be a National Holiday”
“Balancing the Ledger on Juneteenth”
Listen:
Vox, Today Explained – “Happy Juneteenth”
Watch:
Ava DuVernay documentary “13th ,” available to stream on Netflix
Substitute for Destin Daniel Cretton’s “Just Mercy,” free to stream online. Screenplay based on Bryan Stevenson’s bestselling memoir.
Read:
“The Case for Reparations” by Ta-Nehesi Coates
“Ta-Nehesi Coates Revisits the Case for Reparations”
‘Juneteenth this year is a whole new ballgame’ — 9 Black Jews on the holiday of liberation
However you choose to commemorate Juneteenth, we hope this list will inspire actions that amplify the brilliant diversity of the Black community and bring all of us closer to living up to ADL’s mission of securing justice and fair treatment to all.