On July 5, 1852, abolitionist and orator, Frederick Douglass asked a New York audience, “what, to the American slave, is your 4th of July?” He went on to say, “[it] is a sham.” Today, some of the descendants of slaves share Douglass’ sentiment and choose not to recognize America’s Independence Day. But each year, more African Americans are beginning to observe Juneteenth—a shortened name for June 19th—as a holiday that celebrates freedom for us. In 1865, Union soldiers led by General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19th to exact the Emancipation Proclamation, thereby freeing the 250,000 slaves in that state. It was nearly two and a half years after the Proclamation was initially issued by Abraham Lincoln. As Henry Louis Gates stated, it was “the last place in the South that freedom touched.” Since the first celebration in Texas to now, almost all 50 states in some way, whether official or unofficial, commemorate Juneteenth. The books featured tell fiction and nonfiction stories that will surely add to any celebration, keeping the spirit and origin of the holiday alive.
Juneteenth Jamboree – Carole Boston Weatherford
Freedom's Gifts: A Juneteenth Story – Valerie Wesley
Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom – Charles Taylor
All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom – Angela Johnson
Juneteenth – Vaunda Micheaux Nelson & Drew Nelson
Juneteenth: Freedom Day – Muriel Miller Branch
