Juneteenth is included in Fíonta’s holiday calendar.
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of ending slavery in the United States. From its Galveston, Texas, origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond.
Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas, a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics, and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement, and planning for the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long overdue. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities, and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.
Source: https://www.juneteenth.com/
Juneteenth Resources
- The Proclamation of Emancipation (National Museum of African American History and Culture Online Collection)
- Ways to celebrate Juneteenth (Juneteenth.com)
- Juneteenth: Why is it Important to America? – Talking to students and children about Juneteenth
- Juneteenth Recipes curated by Nicole Taylor, the author of “Watermelon and Red Birds”
- Culinary inspiration from black chefs across the country (New York Times)
- The historical legacy of Juneteenth (National Museum of African American History and Culture)
- The Takeaway: A Very Special Juneteenth Episode (podcast)
- Ways businesses can support Juneteenth (Zenefits.com)
“Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory or an acceptance of the way things are. It’s a celebration of progress. It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible—and there is still so much work to do.”
– President Barack Obama