Celebrate Juneteenth

Summer holidays, much like summer birthdays, can get lost and, at times, unrecognized, if they fall outside of the typical school calendar year. Significance becomes a casualty to barbecues, beach outings, and fireworks displays. Most understand Independence Day; we know what Memorial Day and Labor Day commemorate; but could most of us describe how and why they are important, or if they are federal holidays at all?

When Juneteenth finally became a recognized federal holiday in 2021, I found myself concerned it would fall into a similar cycle of vacuous insignificance: another day off from the vicissitudes of daily life. And why not? We all love vacations and reasons to celebrate. But it is important for all of us to understand the fundamental reasons why we commemorate and celebrate, both as a people and as a country.

Juneteenth holds many monikers: Emancipation Day, Black Independence Day, and Freedom Day. It is the longest-running holiday of the African American community. Two years after the Emancipation Proclamation abolished slavery, in the legal realm, several southern states refused to honor it. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger traveled to Galveston, Texas to announce General order No. 3, effectively ending slavery for millions of Americans. A momentous occasion, indeed.

Juneteenth is celebrated with barbecues, parades, reunions and much more. Red hued foods are often eaten at Juneteenth celebrations, like red velvet cake, strawberries, and red punch to symbolize the blood of millions of enslaved people who suffered and died.

Juneteenth Books for Children

Juneteenth Is by Natasha Tripplett and Illustrated by Daniel J O’ Brien is a great introduction to the Juneteenth Holiday, even for the youngest children. This story is told through the eyes of a young girl as she celebrates with her family. From her dad’s slow cooking brisket, to attending a parade, and most importantly spending time with her loving family. This book is a true celebration of Black Joy and would be a great story time read.

The Juneteenth Cookbook: Recipes and Activities for Kids and Families to Celebrate by Alliah L Agostini will give you some practical help to celebrate Juneteenth. There are great recipes like Freedom Fizz (a raspberry fizzy drink), watermelon snow cups, and mac ‘n’ please. This book also includes ideas for table and field games and Juneteenth crafts. This is much more than just a cookbook; it is a great resource to plan a community event.

They Built Me for Freedom: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston’s Emancipation Park by Tonya Duncan Ellis and Illustrated by Jenin Mohammed is an essential purchase for public libraries. This book is beautifully illustrated and told through the unique perspective of Houston’s Emancipation Park. Houston’s Emancipation Park was built on land purchased by formerly enslaved community leaders to remember Juneteenth. In the Jim Crow era, it was the only public park and swimming pool open to Black Americans and it was a gathering space during various civil rights movements. It fell into disrepair but has been revitalized and rededicated after the murder of George Floyd who lived nearby. The book features extended backmatter, and while a lovely book to read together, it is also an important story of the American experience and the continued struggle of the Black Americans.  

Opal Lee and What it Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth by Alice Faye Duncan and illustrated by Keturah A Bobo is a great addition to your biography section. Opal Lee grew up in Texas in the Jim Crow era, and although she knew about Juneteenth from her grandfather’s stories, Opal experienced how freedom didn’t really look like freedom in her small Texas town. She used her voice to educate everyone on the story of Juneteenth. Opal Lee walked from her home in Texas to Washington D.C., to spread the word about Juneteenth and work for it to be a federally recognized holiday. This biography is a great resource for inspiring kids that one person can make a huge difference in the world.

Summer is very busy for public librarians, with every ounce of time spoken for. But we should acknowledge, commemorate and celebrate this important holiday. Perhaps a story time reading, a display of these titles, or just pointing out community events could make this Juneteenth more meaningful to all. These titles and more are linked HERE.

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