Juneteenth!

Today, June 19th marks the 150th anniversary of a significant holiday in African American history. A holiday that celebrates culture, family, community, prayer and reflection, and most importantly, freedom. On this day we observe Juneteenth.

It was on June 19, 1865 when the slaves of Galveston, Texas heard the astonishing news that the Civil War was over and they were free. There are various accounts as to why the slaves in Texas received their freedom two and a half years after the “Emancipation Proclamation.” But no matter the reason then, now, over 40 states officially observe Juneteenth in some form.

Many African Americans view Juneteenth as our “Independence Day.” We are thankful to our ancestors for their courage and perseverance. Let’s honor them by using our freedom to strive for quality education and equal rights. Below are a list of Juneteenth fiction and nonfiction books.*

*All book summaries are from Amazon.

Juneteenth for Mazie – Floyd Cooper

"Mazie is ready to celebrate liberty. She is ready to celebrate freedom. She is ready to celebrate a great day in American history ― the day her ancestors were no longer slaves."

All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom - Angela Johnson

"Through the eyes of one little girl, All Different Now tells the story of the first Juneteenth, the day freedom finally came to the last of the slaves in the South. Since then, the observance of June 19 as African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. "

Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom - Charles Taylor

"Dr. Taylor's 32-page book, full of colorful illustrations, archival photographs, and historical documents, makes the information about Juneteenth accessible for [young] readers. "