Juneteenth

Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, is a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. The name "Juneteenth" is a blend of "June" and "nineteenth," marking the date June 19, 1865. On this day, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce General Order No. 3, which declared the freedom of all enslaved people in Texas. This announcement came two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which had officially freed enslaved people in Confederate states on January 1, 1863.

Emancipation Proclamation

Transcript of the Proclamation - National Archives
Read the actual proclamation above
The Emancipation Proclamation
View the original copy through the National Archives Catalog

Additional Resources

NMAAHC- Digital Toolkit
North Carolina African American Heritage Commission - Toolkit
USF- Digital Commons - Weekly Challenger Archives
St. Petersburg's Weekly Challenger Archives - A notable local African American Newspaper
U.S. Department of State - Juneteenth Toolkit

Juneteenth Flag History

While initially less known, the Juneteenth flag has gained broader recognition and is increasingly displayed during Juneteenth celebrations, parades, and educational events. The Juneteenth flag was created in 1997 by activist Ben Haith, founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation (NJCF). The design was developed with the help of collaborators including Lisa Jeanne Graf, a graphic designer, who helped refine the visual elements of the flag.

The flag was designed to give Juneteenth its own distinct symbol, separate from other American or African American flags, to specifically honor the day and its significance. In 2000, the flag underwent a revision to enhance its design, resulting in the current version widely recognized today.

Seven years later (2007), the date “June 19, 1865” was added.

Colors:

Red, White, and Blue: The colors mirror those of the American flag, symbolizing that formerly enslaved people and their descendants are Americans and highlighting the shared heritage and values of all Americans.

Design Elements:

Star: The white star in the center has dual meanings. It represents Texas, the "Lone Star State," where the last enslaved people were informed of their freedom. Additionally, it symbolizes the freedom of African Americans in all 50 states.
Burst Outline: The star is surrounded by a bursting outline, which represents a nova or new star. This signifies a new beginning for African Americans and a bright future ahead.
Arc: The curve extending across the width of the flag represents a new horizon: the opportunities and promise that lay ahead for African Americans following emancipation.
Date: Added in 2007, The date "June 19, 1865" was added to the Juneteenth flag to commemorate the day when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced General Order No. 3, which proclaimed the freedom of enslaved people in Texas.

National Juneteenth Observance Foundation. (n.d.). Juneteenth flag history. Retrieved from https://www.njof.org/juneteenth-flag
Ben Haith, et al. (n.d.). The Juneteenth flag: Meaning and history. National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.juneteenth.us/flag

Culture of the Holiday

While there is no specific way to celebrate the day, Juneteenth celebrations are often vibrant, deeply rooted in African American culture, and imbued with historical significance. The culture of these celebrations are typically characterized by a rich legacy of traditions, including:

Historical Reflection and Education:

Storytelling and Reenactments: Sharing stories and reenacting historical events help educate people about the significance of Juneteenth and the broader history of slavery and emancipation.
Speeches and Readings: Public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, speeches by community leaders, and discussions about African American history and civil rights are common.

Music and Dance:

Performances: Gospel, jazz, blues, and hip-hop performances reflect the diverse musical heritage of African Americans.
Drumming and Dance: Traditional African drumming and dance are often featured, celebrating African roots and cultural resilience.

Food and Feasting:

Traditional Foods: Foods like barbecue, red velvet cake, and soul food dishes play a central role, symbolizing heritage and community.
Picnics and Barbecues: These gatherings foster a sense of community and celebration, with families and friends coming together to share meals.

Parades and Festivals:

Parades: These often feature floats, marching bands, and participants dressed in period costumes, celebrating African American culture and history.
Community Festivals: These may include craft fairs, art exhibits, and vendor stalls selling African-inspired clothing, jewelry, and other goods.

Religious Services:

Church Services: Many communities hold special church services, reflecting the role of faith in the lives of many African Americans and the historical significance of the church as a center for community and activism.
Prayers and Hymns: Services often include prayers for ancestors and hymns that reflect themes of liberation and resilience.

Education and Empowerment Activities:

Workshops and Seminars: These focus on topics such as African American history, civil rights, and social justice.
Youth Programs: Educational activities for children and teenagers help instill a sense of pride in their heritage and knowledge of their history.

Art and Culture:

Art Exhibits: Showcasing works by African American artists that reflect historical and contemporary experiences.
Cultural Performances: Theatrical performances, poetry readings, and other artistic expressions highlight the rich cultural contributions of African Americans.

Community Engagement:

Volunteerism and Activism: Many celebrations emphasize community service and social justice initiatives, encouraging participants to give back and advocate for change.
Family Reunions: Juneteenth is often a time for family reunions, strengthening familial bonds and celebrating shared heritage.

Overall, Juneteenth celebrations are a dynamic blend of reflection, education, and joyous festivity, honoring the past while fostering a sense of pride, unity, and cultural identity in the present.

Gates, H. L. (2020, June 19). The historical legacy of Juneteenth. The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Retrieved from https://nmaahc.si.edu/blog-post/historical-legacy-juneteenth
Kelley, R. D. G. (2021, June 16). Juneteenth: The meaning behind the celebration. NPR. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2021/06/16/1007307764/juneteenth-the-meaning-behind-the-celebration
Martin, M. (2020, June 19). How food, music, and community create a Juneteenth celebration. NPR. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2020/06/19/880292593/how-food-music-and-community-create-a-juneteenth-celebration
Stewart, A. (2018, June 18). What is Juneteenth? African American history, culture, and food. Texas Monthly. Retrieved from https://www.texasmonthly.com/the-daily-post/what-is-juneteenth-african-american-history-culture-and-food/
Severson, K. (2020, June 17). Juneteenth festivities and food are a reminder of resilience and joy. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/17/dining/juneteenth-festivities-and-food.html

Additional Articles

Food

Food plays a significant role in Juneteenth celebrations, serving as a powerful symbol of community, resilience, and cultural heritage.

Key aspects of the relationship between Juneteenth and food include:

Symbolism of Red Foods: Red foods and drinks, such as red velvet cake, strawberry soda, red punch, and barbecue with red sauces, are traditional staples. The red color symbolizes resilience and the blood shed by enslaved African Americans. It's also thought to represent the ingenuity and resourcefulness of enslaved people who used natural ingredients available to them.
Traditional Dishes: Common Juneteenth dishes include soul food classics like fried chicken, collard greens, black-eyed peas, cornbread, and sweet potatoes. These dishes reflect the African American culinary heritage and are often passed down through generations.
Barbecue and Community: Barbecue is a central feature of Juneteenth celebrations, fostering a sense of community as people gather to cook and share meals. The communal aspect of barbecue underscores the importance of coming together to commemorate freedom and heritage.
African and African American Influence: Many Juneteenth foods have roots in African culinary traditions, which were adapted and preserved by enslaved Africans in America. This includes ingredients like okra, yams, and rice, which feature prominently in dishes like gumbo and jambalaya.
Celebratory Feasts: Juneteenth feasts are a time for celebration and reflection, emphasizing abundance and joy. The sharing of food is a way to honor ancestors, celebrate freedom, and build connections within the community.

Overall, food is an integral part of Juneteenth celebrations, providing a tangible link to history and heritage while fostering community spirit and cultural pride.

Bryant, K. (2020, June 19). Juneteenth and the food that makes it special. NPR. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2020/06/19/880292449/juneteenth-and-the-food-that-makes-it-special
Cargill, S. (2019, June 19). A brief history of Juneteenth food traditions. Texas Monthly. Retrieved from https://www.texasmonthly.com/the-daily-post/a-brief-history-of-juneteenth-food-traditions/
Harris, T. (2020, June 18). The hidden history of Juneteenth foods. Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/hidden-history-juneteenth-foods-180975197/
Severson, K. (2020, June 18). On Juneteenth, red drinks and foods are more than just a feast. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/18/dining/juneteenth-food.html

Recipes on Video:

Valcooks Kitchen
A guest on Visit Tampa Bay's - Celebrating Hertitage: Juneteenth Stories, Valerie Wilson Reed is a local cookbook author and YouTube Influencer.
Her channel has a plethora of short and easy videos for different recipes!

Additional Resources

2024 Book List:

James by Percival Everett
ISBN: 9780385550369

Publication Date: 2024-03-19

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * NAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR SO FAR FOR 2024 BY THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW * A brilliant, action-packed reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, both harrowing and darkly humorous, told from the enslaved Jim's point of view "Genius"--The Atlantic * "A masterpiece that will help redefine one of the classics of American literature, while also being a major achievement on its own."--Chicago Tribune * "A provocative, enlightening literary work of art."--The Boston Globe * "Everett's most thrilling novel, but also his most soulful."--The New York Times When the enslaved Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, separated from his wife and daughter forever, he decides to hide on nearby Jackson Island until he can formulate a plan. Meanwhile, Huck Finn has faked his own death to escape his violent father, recently returned to town. As all readers of American literature know, thus begins the dangerous and transcendent journey by raft down the Mississippi River toward the elusive and too-often-unreliable promise of the Free States and beyond. While many narrative set pieces of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn remain in place (floods and storms, stumbling across both unexpected death and unexpected treasure in the myriad stopping points along the river's banks, encountering the scam artists posing as the Duke and Dauphin...), Jim's agency, intelligence and compassion are shown in a radically new light. Brimming with the electrifying humor and lacerating observations that have made Everett a "literary icon" (Oprah Daily), and one of the most decorated writers of our lifetime, James is destined to be a major publishing event and a cornerstone of twenty-first century American literature.
Long after We Are Gone by Terah Shelton Harris
ISBN: 9781728265773

Publication Date: 2024-05-14

An explosive and emotional story of four siblings--each fighting their own personal battle--who return home in the wake of their father's death in order to save their family's home from being sold out from under them, from the author of One Summer in Savannah. "Don't let the white man take the house." These are the last words King Solomon says to his son before he dies. Now all four Solomon siblings must return to North Carolina to save the Kingdom, their ancestral home and 200 acres of land, from a development company, who has their sights set on turning the valuable waterfront property into a luxury resort. While fighting to save the Kingdom, the siblings must also save themselves from the secrets they've been holding onto. Junior, the oldest son and married to his wife for eleven years, is secretly in love with another man. Second son Mance can't control his temper, which has landed him in prison more than once. CeCe, the oldest daughter and a lawyer in New York City, has embezzled thousands of dollars from her firm's clients. Youngest daughter Tokey wonders why she doesn't seem to fit into this family, which has left an aching hole in her heart that she tries to fill in harmful ways. As the Solomons come together to fight for the Kingdom, each of their façades begins to crumble and collide in unexpected ways. Told in alternating viewpoints, Long After We Are Gone is a searing portrait on the power of family and letting go of things that no longer serve you, exploring the burden of familial expectations, the detriment of miscommunication, and the lessons and legacies we pass on to our children.
Skin and Bones by Renée Watson
ISBN: 9780316570886

Publication Date: 2024-05-07

Best Book of May 2024 by New York Post From the acclaimed #1 New York Times bestselling author comes a soulful and lyrical novel exploring sisterhood, motherhood, faith, love, and ultimately what gets passed down from one generation to the next At 40, Lena Baker is at a steady and stable moment in life--between wine nights with her two best friends and her wedding just weeks away, she's happy in love and in friendship until a confession on her wedding day shifts her world. Unmoored and grieving a major loss, Lena finds herself trying to teach her daughter self-love while struggling to do so herself. Lena questions everything she's learned about dating, friendship, and motherhood, and through it all, she works tirelessly to bring the oft-forgotten Black history of Oregon to the masses, sidestepping her well-meaning co-workers that don't understand that their good intentions are often offensive and hurtful. Through Watson's poetic voice, skin & bones is a stirring exploration of who society makes space for and is ultimately a story of heartbreak and healing.
What You Leave Behind by Wanda M. Morris
ISBN: 9780063359734

Publication Date: 2024-06-18

Award-winning author Wanda Morris returns with a powerful, haunting thriller following a lawyer who after the mysterious disappearance of a local landowner and the death of his sister just months before, uncovers a conspiracy that dates back to Reconstruction and persists in half the United States today. Deena Wood's life has fallen apart in the aftermath of losing her beloved mother, her marriage, and her prestigious job at an Atlanta law firm. She needs what the Geechee people of coastal Georgia call a "dayclean," a fresh start. She returns to her childhood home in Brunswick, Georgia, to heal. But her return is anything but the respite she thought it might be. To make peace with all her loss, she often drives through the city. One day, she unwittingly finds herself on the oceanfront property of a loner widower who is fighting to keep land that has been in his family since the end of the Civil War. He threatens her and warns her to never return. But shortly after, he disappears, and his very expensive property is quickly put up for sale. Curious about what has happened to the man, Deena digs into his disappearance and finds a family legacy at risk. What starts out as a bit of curious snooping, turns into a deadly game of illegal land grabs and property redevelopment in poor and rural communities with dark and powerful forces at work. Without realizing it, Deena finds herself caught up in a nightmarish scheme that threatens her community and her family. She'll need help and finds it in a close but unlikely source because she knows she must do whatever it takes to stop the sinister forces at play before she becomes their next target.
Wild Life by Rae Wynn-Grant
ISBN: 9781638930402

Publication Date: 2024-04-02

"As sensitive and touching as it is urgent . . . [Wild Life is] a poignant exploration of the natural world." -O, The Oprah Magazine "Wild Life is the bushwacking, honest, and inspiring memoir I wish I'd had as a budding scientist. Dr. Wynn-Grant's richly-told, revelatory journey will surely have remarkable ripples for generations--and have you on the edge of your seat." --Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, cofounder Urban Ocean Lab In this vulnerable and urgent memoir, Rae Wynn-Grant explores the ever-shifting relationship between humans, animals, and the earth through her personal journey to becoming a wildlife ecologist. Growing up in the diverse and bustling California Bay Area, renowned wildlife ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant always felt worlds away from the white male adventurers she watched explore the wilderness on TV. She dreamed of a future where she could spend sleepless nights under the crowded canopies of the Amazon and the starry skies of the savanna. But as Rae set off on her own expeditions in the wild, she saw nature's delicate balance in a new light. Wild Life follows Rae on her adventures and explorations in some of the world's most remote locales. Hers is a story about a nearly twenty-year career in the wild--carving a niche as one of very few Black female scientists--and the challenges she had to overcome, expectations she had to leave behind, and the many lessons she learned along the way. An incredible journey spanning the Great Plains of North America to the rainforests of Madagascar, Wild Life sheds light on our pivotal relationship and responsibility to the natural world and the relatives--both human and otherwise--that we share it with.

Black History Reads:

Island of Color by Izola Ethel Fedford Collins
ISBN: 9781418469740

Publication Date: 2004-08-19

On this island calledGalveston,Texas, African-Americans have a unique position in the history of the world. Natives of this city, and incoming residents, who were people of color, were the pioneers of much of the civilization that occurred in this part of the world. "Juneteenth" has become a term used by persons all over the nation who recognize the validity of the term now synonymous with freedom of the former black-skinned slaves. This term comes from the fact that, in Galveston, Texas, General Granger arrived by ship with orders that were read to the public at Ashton Villa on June 19, 1865. He actually arrived in the harbor onJune 17, 1865, and the news leaked out from the deckhands on that date. But the dates are both worthy of the title "Juneteenth", which is the way the former slaves passed down the news to their progeny. This news came from the official document called the Emancipation Proclamation, which was a law signed by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, and sent to the southern states involved in the Confederacy. SoTexaswas the first of these states to receive this law, andGalvestonwas the entry port, and therefore had the distinction of being the first place to embrace the freedom of persons of color in the southern part of the newUnited States of America. There were free men and women of color inGalvestonbefore this announcement was made, so the progress of the city toward racial harmony was already underway. Pioneers of all kinds of institutions and businesses came fromGalveston. It is no accident thatGalvestonhas been a city of "firsts". The titles of "first" have been proven for the state ofTexas, because these were recorded and documented in many journals and publications. Some visionaries of African descent have been recorded by name, but since the freed persons of color usually could not read or write (they were forbidden to learn to read or write in slavery), there is little written from their perspective. It is the purpose of this book to reveal what was written by a man of color, my grandfather, who came toGalvestonwith his family as a small child, immediately after freedom was declared. His words are proven to be true by later documentation of official sources in the city. In addition, recorded words of interviews with numbers of citizens who were alive when this book was begun have been used and preserved on audio tapes. Quite a number of persons who contributed to this book were African-Americans who were imported toGalvestonfor the sole purpose of educating its segregated citizens in their churches and schools. Until now, this story, told from the perspective of the persons who lived it, has been untold. Because of its far-reaching effects in the whole world, this story fairly screams to be acknowledged and revealed. It is with great excitement that I bid you to indulge yourself in the luxury of discovery!
Read until You Understand: the Profound Wisdom of Black Life and Literature by Farah Jasmine Griffin
ISBN: 9780393651911

Publication Date: 2021-09-14

A PBS NewsHour Best Book of the Year A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year in Nonfiction A brilliant scholar imparts the lessons bequeathed by the Black community and its remarkable artists and thinkers. Farah Jasmine Griffin has taken to her heart the phrase "read until you understand," a line her father, who died when she was nine, wrote in a note to her. She has made it central to this book about love of the majestic power of words and love of the magnificence of Black life. Griffin has spent years rooted in the culture of Black genius and the legacy of books that her father left her. A beloved professor, she has devoted herself to passing these works and their wisdom on to generations of students. Here, she shares a lifetime of discoveries: the ideas that inspired the stunning oratory of Frederick Douglass and Malcolm X, the soulful music of Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, the daring literature of Phillis Wheatley and Toni Morrison, the inventive artistry of Romare Bearden, and many more. Exploring these works through such themes as justice, rage, self-determination, beauty, joy, and mercy allows her to move from her aunt's love of yellow roses to Gil Scott-Heron's "Winter in America." Griffin entwines memoir, history, and art while she keeps her finger on the pulse of the present, asking us to grapple with the continuing struggle for Black freedom and the ongoing project that is American democracy. She challenges us to reckon with our commitment to all the nation's inhabitants and our responsibilities to all humanity.
Slavery by Another Name by Douglas A. Blackmon
ISBN: 9780385722704

Publication Date: 2009-01-13

This groundbreaking historical expose unearths the lost stories of enslaved persons and their descendants who journeyed into freedom after the Emancipation Proclamation and then back into the shadow of involuntary servitude shortly thereafter in "The Age of Neoslavery." By turns moving, sobering, and shocking, this unprecedented Pulitzer Prize-winning account reveals the stories of those who fought unsuccessfully against the re-emergence of human labor trafficking, the companies that profited most from neoslavery, and the insidious legacy of racism that reverberates today. Following the Emancipation Proclamation, convicts--mostly black men--were "leased" through forced labor camps operated by state and federal governments. Using a vast record of original documents and personal narratives, Douglas A. Blackmon brings to light one of the most shameful chapters in American history. "An astonishing book. . . . It will challenge and change your understanding of what we were as Americans--and of what we are." --Chicago Tribune
Stony the Road by Jr. Gates; Henry Louis
ISBN: 9780525559559

Publication Date: 2020-04-07

"Stony the Road presents a bracing alternative to Trump-era white nationalism. . . . In our current politics we recognize African-American history-the spot under our country's rug where the terrorism and injustices of white supremacy are habitually swept. Stony the Road lifts the rug." -Nell Irvin Painter, New York Times Book Review A profound new rendering of the struggle by African-Americans for equality after the Civil War and the violent counter-revolution that resubjugated them, by the bestselling author of The Black Church and The Black Box. The abolition of slavery in the aftermath of the Civil War is a familiar story, as is the civil rights revolution that transformed the nation after World War II. But the century in between remains a mystery- if emancipation sparked "a new birth of freedom" in Lincoln's America, why was it necessary to march in Martin Luther King, Jr.'s America? In this new book, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., one of our leading chroniclers of the African-American experience, seeks to answer that question in a history that moves from the Reconstruction Era to the "nadir" of the African-American experience under Jim Crow, through to World War I and the Harlem Renaissance. Through his close reading of the visual culture of this tragic era, Gates reveals the many faces of Jim Crow and how, together, they reinforced a stark color line between white and black Americans. Bringing a lifetime of wisdom to bear as a scholar, filmmaker, and public intellectual, Gates uncovers the roots of structural racism in our own time, while showing how African Americans after slavery combatted it by articulating a vision of a "New Negro" to force the nation to recognize their humanity and unique contributions to America as it hurtled toward the modern age. The story Gates tells begins with great hope, with the Emancipation Proclamation, Union victory, and the liberation of nearly 4 million enslaved African-Americans. Until 1877, the federal government, goaded by the activism of Frederick Douglass and many others, tried at various turns to sustain their new rights. But the terror unleashed by white paramilitary groups in the former Confederacy, combined with deteriorating economic conditions and a loss of Northern will, restored "home rule" to the South. The retreat from Reconstruction was followed by one of the most violent periods in our history, with thousands of black people murdered or lynched and many more afflicted by the degrading impositions of Jim Crow segregation. An essential tour through one of America's fundamental historical tragedies, Stony the Road is also a story of heroic resistance, as figures such as W. E. B. Du Bois and Ida B. Wells fought to create a counter-narrative, and culture, inside the lion's mouth. As sobering as this tale is, it also has within it the inspiration that comes with encountering the hopes our ancestors advanced against the longest odds.

Ways to Request:

You can also use your public library system to gain access to these materials and order them with a PPLC (Pinellas Public Library Cooperative) card. Please visit your local library for more details.

You can use the following link to request items and look through the online library catalog: https://pplc.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/default

Other Notable Booklists:

National Museum of African American History and Culture Booklist
The Smithsonian's top picks and must-reads
Penguin Random House Booklist
Library Journal Reading List

Monthly Special Topics Resources

Juneteenth

Emancipation Proclamation

Additional Resources

Juneteenth Flag History

Colors:

Red, White, and Blue: The colors mirror those of the American flag, symbolizing that formerly enslaved people and their descendants are Americans and highlighting the shared heritage and values of all Americans.

Design Elements:

Star: The white star in the center has dual meanings. It represents Texas, the "Lone Star State," where the last enslaved people were informed of their freedom. Additionally, it symbolizes the freedom of African Americans in all 50 states.

Burst Outline: The star is surrounded by a bursting outline, which represents a nova or new star. This signifies a new beginning for African Americans and a bright future ahead.

Arc: The curve extending across the width of the flag represents a new horizon: the opportunities and promise that lay ahead for African Americans following emancipation.

Date: Added in 2007, The date "June 19, 1865" was added to the Juneteenth flag to commemorate the day when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced General Order No. 3, which proclaimed the freedom of enslaved people in Texas.

Culture of the Holiday

Historical Reflection and Education:

Music and Dance:

Food and Feasting:

Parades and Festivals:

Religious Services:

Education and Empowerment Activities:

Art and Culture:

Community Engagement:

Additional Articles

Food

Recipes on Video:

Additional Resources

2024 Book List:

Black History Reads:

Other Notable Reads:

Ways to Request:

Other Notable Booklists: