January 1, 1863, is the day that slavery was officially ended in the United States, but it wasn't until June 19, 1865, after the conclusion of the Civil War, that the last enslaved people in Texas were freed. Juneteenth is a day that's been around for decades, but it wasn't until recently that it became a federal holiday.
Juneteenth represents never giving up the hope that things will change and become better for African Americans. The same hope that enslaved people carried with them until they were freed still exists today.
Today, people worldwide gather on June 19 to celebrate this momentous occasion. The country has a long way to go before equality indeed rings true for all, but on this day, we celebrate and bring awareness to this holiday and what it really means for African Americans.
If you didn't think you'd be able to find a way to celebrate the holiday, you're mistaken. There are so many celebrations that you might have trouble choosing which one to attend or participate in.
We understand how important it is to celebrate Juneteenth while at the same time continuing to educate ourselves about what the holiday truly means. Here are some opportunities you have to partake in Juneteenth the right way.
If you're looking for a way to bring your team members together in the workplace, this virtual tour is a great way to do it. The event will walk you through various historical happenings that everyone can learn from and use as they encourage diversity in the workplace.
Another chance to celebrate Juneteenth is to participate in a celebration where you can hear the encounters, participate in workshops, and enjoy cultural dancing and festivities from June 17th-19th. There are events in several states and locations, so be sure to review the calendar on the website.
Sometimes the only thing you want to do during a day that means so much is spend time listening to music that speaks volumes. The Classic 2022 is a music festival that captures everything you've been searching for when it comes to endless melodies and rhythms.
If you're looking for the festival in the heart of everything, you'll want to head over to Washington, D.C. The festival is called the Freedom Festival, and it takes place over the course of 3 days from June 17th-19th. Don't miss out on the chance to interact with the Juneteenth Foundation.
If you're not able to attend an event, you can also donate to the cause.
“While reading about Juneteenth, I saw a quote that stated that celebrations of the end of slavery have three goals: ‘to celebrate, to educate, and to agitate.’ As a person born in the Northeast, celebrating Juneteenth was not as ingrained in me, but as I continue to learn and become more interested in history, I feel those goals embody my place in society. We celebrate and embrace who we are, educate those who are willing to learn about who we were, are, and have the potential to be, and agitate the sensibilities of those who prefer the status quo. Last year, on the inaugural federal celebration of Juneteenth, I spent time with my family, cooking, playing games, and enjoying togetherness, and I intend to do the same this year.”
- Joy Nauden, Order Entry Clerk
"Juneteenth is a big celebration where I live in Beaufort County, South Carolina. A true crossroads of the celebration is at Frogmore where early freed slave children and adults received education in reading and writing. Today, our local Gullah-Geechee culture reaches out to help all learn the history of those transformative times. The National Reconstruction Era National Park Is located in Beaufort and focuses on how newly-freed slaves were incorporated into new opportunities in social, political and economic roles during this time of transition."
- Carole Marsh Longmeyer, Gallopade Founder + CEO