Ways to Celebrate and Learn About Juneteenth

Juneteenth, held on June 19, commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. The day is important for understanding Black history and the factors that have contributed to racial injustice, as well as honoring Black freedom and resistance to oppression.

Here’s a brief overview of the holiday and its importance from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Due to COVID-19, celebrations will be looking a bit different this year. But there’s still a lot going on. Here are a few options for making the day fun and meaningful:

Operation Turn Around is livestreaming their event, which will feature “music, folklore, performances.”

The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is celebrating Black artists and scholars: “We wish to commemorate this day with joy and resolve as we strive for justice and liberty in the continued fight for equity.”

Here’s a more comprehensive overview of Juneteenth, including some great photographs, from the New York Times.

Food is a big part of Juneteenth celebrations. In this NY Times feature, Black chefs discuss how they’ll celebrate and what they’ll be cooking.

However you celebrate, we hope it’s a day of celebration, reflection, and movement toward anti-racist action.