Juneteenth is June 19th. It is one of the oldest celebrations commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. It is the anniversary of the day in 1865 when Union soldiers finally brought the news to Galveston, Texas that the war was over and that the enslaved people in Texas were emancipated.
The June 19, 1865 date was fully two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed. You can learn more about Juneteenth at www.juneteenth.com. Meanwhile, I’m sharing five ways that you can celebrate Juneteenth this year.
Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth
1. Support Black-Owned Businesses
When you support a Black-owned business with your dollars, you help encourage financial equality. Celebrate Juneteenth by treating yourself to some of the products from Black-owned businesses that I have highlighted on this site.
- 22 Valentine’s Day Gifts From Black-Owned Brands to Show Some Love
- 9 Thoughtful Hostess Gifts Under $50 From Black-Owned Businesses
- Support Black-Owned Etsy Shops (5 Products That I Love)
- 7 Unique Gifts for Kids by Black Women Creators
- 5 Favorite Black Entrepreneurs
2. Learn More About African-American History
There are many educational places online and offline where you can learn about Black history and culture. In addition to the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in D.C., below are a couple of NYC options:
- Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture: This New York Public Research Library focuses on documenting the experiences of peoples of African descent throughout the world. They also host a variety of public programs for people of all ages.
- Studio Museum in Harlem: This museum features African, African-American and Caribbean art and artifacts. They offer a variety of programs and activities including those that focus on youth and families.
3. Participate in a Juneteenth Event Online or Locally
There are many celebrations – both online and offline. For instance, the Broadway League is presenting the Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth, a free outdoor concert in NYC’s Times Square on June 19th.
For more celebrations, you can read Juneteenth Federal Holiday Celebrations Will Be Jumping in These Cities (Sisters AARP) or Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom Day (Queens Library).
4. Donate to Causes That Support Black Communities
There are many causes that support uplifting the Black community. Consider setting up a recurring donation (or making a one-time donation) to your preferred Black-led organization.
5. Volunteer at Voter Registration Organizations
The poll taxes and literacy tests of the 1950s and 1960s are no longer used to prevent Black people from voting. Minority voting freedoms are being threatened in new ways though. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in attempts to limit minority voter access around the country.
Gerrymandering (dividing voting districts for political advantage), restrictive voter ID laws, closed polling places, reductions to early voting hours and the purging of voters from the rolls serve to discourage voting among poor people and minorities, including Black Americans. That is why it is vital that we get out the vote.
If you are in NYC, the New York City Civic Engagement Commission hosts volunteer training sessions. You can find June opportunities on their Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Volunteer Form June 2022.
I hope that these ideas are helpful. They are just a starting point though. Use your creativity to celebrate the day!
