Almost everyone is familiar with Independence Day, also known as the 4th of July, but very few are aware of the holiday that is observed on June 19th.
Juneteenth (also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day) is the commemoration of the date June 19th, 1865. This was the day the last African slaves in America (in Texas) were informed that they had been freed— over two years AFTER the Emancipation Proclamation. It celebrates the independence of people who had been legally oppressed, abused, and misused since the founding of the country. Once the news had been spread to the people, many began to pray exaltedly and/or celebrate jubilantly with parties filled with music, dance, and good times. These parties were known as “jubilees”. Later, jubilees became the most common form of Juneteenth commemoration and today you can find many occurring throughout the country. Over 40 states recognize Juneteenth as a holiday, including Alabama.
Just as Independence Day is an important part of American history, so is Juneteenth. Now is a great time to learn about this significant holiday and to teach others, particularly little ones, about it. Below are resources to learn more information as well as explore ways to actually commemorate Juneteenth in Birmingham.
Check out these ways to help commemorate Juneteenth in Birmingham:
Juneteenth Family Reunion Picnic – Friday, June 19th
National Million People March for Justice – Friday, June 19th
Additional Juneteenth resources:
Juneteenth website
Children’s books celebrating Juneteenth
Comment below and tell us how you and your family are planning to commemorate Juneteenth. We’d love to hear from you!
Guest Blogger
JaVone Bentley is a book blogger who freelances as a book editor, literary assistant, and literary consultant. She is also co-founder of book club, Read Between the Miles. With a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, JaVone previously taught high school English for 10 years. Since the birth of her son, JaVone now stays home to focus on her passions and her family. She credits her self as having always been an avid reader and is an active member of the Goodreads and #Bookstagram communities. She runs her blog/business, All for the Books and is assistant to The Literary Lobbyist (public relations and literary agent). In her free time, JaVone enjoys reading, traveling, cooking, gardening, and being with her family.
Be sure connect with her:
www.allforthebooks.com
Instagram: @allforthebooksblog
Facebook: All for the Books
Twitter: @allforthebooks
Email: [email protected]
Enjoyed reading your article on Juneteenth. It was very informative, especially for those who are not aware of the significance of Juneteenth. Thanks cuz for a great article!
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