Green America Celebrates Juneteenth

Submitted by egreene on
photo by Antwon McCullen

In 2021, Juneteenth became a national holiday—for many this was their first time hearing about the holiday. But this day isn’t about a free day off work or no school. For Black people this has been a holiday celebrated for years. The legacy of Black Americans is often overlooked by this country, which is why July 4th is not the day that marks their independence, June 19th is!

Juneteenth marks the 19th day in June 1865, when Black people in Galveston, Texas were informed—two years after the Emancipation Proclamation—that slavery was abolished, and the Civil War had ended. This brought liberation to Black Texans (and Black Americans everywhere). The significance of Juneteenth is more relevant now than ever, because “freedom” is represented in Black communities through their influence, art, music, and cultural foods.

We hope the informationeventsactions, and suggestions of Black-led organizations to support will strengthen your commemoration of Juneteenth.

History/ Community /Social Justice

History of Juneteenth

History of Juneteenth: Information for kids

From Juneteenth to Reparations: Reclaiming Our Stolen Stories

Juneteenth Virtual Toolkit – Smithsonian

Walking Black History Podcast 

Economy:

Invest in Black Communities

How Systemic Racism Keeps Black Americans Out of Investing

The Investing Industry Takes On Economic Justice

Shop Black Owned: Green America

Environment:

8 Black Leaders Who've Revolutionized the Climate Movement

'Black Nature': Poems Of Promise And Survival

Black Americans’ Connection to Land Leads to Serenity

Take Action: Environmental Justice

Events:

Search “Juneteenth” and your city or state to find celebrations and ways to volunteer near you

In-person event 6/17: Community Day ( Washington DC)

Free virtual event 6/17 : Celebrating Juneteenth - KIDS CRAFT

Free virtual event 6/24: Juneteenth Summit: Blacks & Jews Alliance for Justice and Liberation

Header photo: Three young women celebrate Juneteenth in Grant Park, Chicago on June 19, 2020. Photo by Antwon McCullen.

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