Juneteenth Resources
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. Named for combining the words June and nineteenth, Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day that Union soldiers rode into Galveston, Texas, with the news that enslaved people were finally free.
While this day is a celebration of Black freedom, resilience, and achievement, it also serves as an important reminder about the ongoing fight for racial equality and the progress that still needs to be made.
Join us as we observe Juneteenth — this year and every year — by using this time to listen, learn, and educate ourselves on Black history, systemic racism, and the important work that needs to be done to help shape a better future.
History of Juneteenth
The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth
National Museum of African American History & Culture, Smithsonian Institution
What Is Juneteenth, How Is It Celebrated, and Why Does It Matter?
Jameelah Nasheed, Teen Vogue
Juneteenth, Explained
Fabiola Cineas, Vox
Movies/Documentaries
“In this thought-provoking documentary, scholars, activists and politicians analyze the criminalization of African Americans and the U.S. prison boom.”
“A powerful and thought-provoking true story, Just Mercy follows young lawyer Bryan Stevenson and his history-making battle for justice. After graduating from Harvard, Bryan had his pick of lucrative jobs. Instead, he heads to Alabama to defend those wrongly condemned or who were not afforded proper representation, with the support of local advocate Eva Ansley. One of his first, and most incendiary, cases is that of Walter McMillian, who, in 1987, was sentenced to die for the notorious murder of an 18-year-old girl, despite a preponderance of evidence proving his innocence and the fact that the only testimony against him came from a criminal with a motive to lie. In the years that follow, Bryan becomes embroiled in a labyrinth of legal and political maneuverings and overt and unabashed racism as he fights for Walter, and others like him, with the odds—and the system—stacked against them.”
“Based on the best-selling novel, The Hate U Give tells the story of Starr Carter, who lives in two worlds: the poor, black neighborhood where she resides and the mostly white prep school she attends. This uneasy balance is shattered when she witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood friend by a policeman. Facing pressures from all sides, Starr must find her voice and stand up for what’s right.”
Podcasts
“In August of 1619, a ship carrying more than 20 enslaved Africans arrived in the English colony of Virginia. America was not yet America, but this was the moment it began. No aspect of the country that would be formed here has been untouched by the 250 years of slavery that followed. On the 400th anniversary of this fateful moment, it is time to tell the story.” - The New York Times
“What's CODE SWITCH? It's the fearless conversations about race that you've been waiting for! Hosted by journalists of color, our podcast tackles the subject of race head-on. We explore how it impacts every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, sports and everything in between. This podcast makes ALL OF US part of the conversation — because we're all part of the story.” - NPR
“Organizer and activist DeRay Mckesson explores news, culture, social justice, and politics with analysis from fellow activists Brittany Packnett and Sam Sinyangwe and writer Dr. Clint Smith III. DeRay also dives in deep with experts, influencers, and diverse local and national leaders to better understand the issues.” - Crooked Media
Online Resources and Events
Senses of Freedom: Exploring the Tastes, Sounds and Experiences of an African American Celebration
Explore this curated online collection from the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
Race and Privilege Discussion Questions
We’re Not Really Strangers
“If a conversation is hard, it’s probably the one worth having. We created a free digital toolkit to help empower hard conversations about race and privilege with the people in your life. 25 questions and wildcards to dig deeper on a conversation long overdue.”
Black Women and the Ballot
The American Slavery Project
In collaboration with award-winning Black theater companies, the New York Society for Ethical Culture, and other allied institutions, The American Slavery Project features three radio dramas that highlight rebellions by Black women to progress voting rights.
Books
Me and White Supremacy
Layla F. Saad
“Me and White Supremacy: A 28-Day Challenge to Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor leads readers through a journey of understanding their white privilege and participation in white supremacy, so that they can stop (often unconsciously) inflicting damage on black, indigenous and people of color, and in turn, help other white people do better, too.”
How to Be An Antiracist
Ibram X. Kendi
“Ibram X. Kendi's concept of antiracism reenergizes and reshapes the conversation about racial justice in America--but even more fundamentally, points us toward liberating new ways of thinking about ourselves and each other. Instead of working with the policies and system we have in place, Kendi asks us to think about what an antiracist society might look like, and how we can play an active role in building it.”
So You Want to Talk About Race
Ijeoma Oluo
“In So You Want to Talk About Race, Ijeoma Oluo guides readers of all races through subjects ranging from intersectionality and affirmative action to “model minorities” in an attempt to make the seemingly impossible possible: honest conversations about race and racism, and how they infect almost every aspect of American life.”