Resources for Understanding and Celebrating Juneteenth

Sunday June 19th marks Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, which celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. More than two years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, Union soldiers entering Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 informed African American enslaved people that they were free. Juneteenth became an official federal holiday in 2021. In honor of Juneteenth, Not Even Past has collected a series of event announcements and resources involving UT faculty.

Events and Celebrations

On Campus

Juneteenth Freedom Summit
What: The LBJ School of Public Affairs and the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy are hosting the second annual Juneteenth Freedom Summit featuring a lineup of speakers who will discuss issues of race, equity and citizenship around the theme “Reflections on Freedom.”
When: Sunday, June 19, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Please register here.

Juneteenth Celebration and Student Showcase
What: Hosted by the College of Liberal Arts, this event will feature a lineup of speakers and a student showcase of art and scholarly work. Dr. Daina Ramey Berry, Professor and Chair of the Department of History, will serve as the keynote speaker.
When: Thursday, June 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: The Glickman Center, Patton Hall
Please RSVP here.

African-American band at Emancipation Day celebration, June 19, 1900, held in “East Woods” on East 24th Street in Austin. Source: Austin History Center

In Austin

Peace to the Queen Exhibit
What: During the month of Juneteenth, celebrate Black history and culture at the Carver Museum, where you will find the “Peace to the Queen” exhibit featuring decades of work by photographer Jamel Shabazz. The exhibit is co-sponsored by the DDCE and curated by College of Liberal Arts doctoral student Ja’nell Ajani.
When: Now through August 22
Where: George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina St, Austin
Go to this website for more information.

Central Texas Juneteenth Celebration
What: A family-friendly parade and festival honoring Juneteenth.
When: Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Rosewood and Boggy Creek Park, 2300 Rosewood Ave., Austin
Go to this website for more information.

Juneteenth Freedom Fest
What: A festive celebration featuring a BBQ “Best in Show” competition, a sling-shot showcase, children’s activities, live music and more.
When: Saturday, June 18, 1-4 p.m.
Where: Colony Park, 7201 Colony Loop Dr., Austin
Go to this website for more information.

Juneteenth Market
What: A community market featuring music, food, live music, and 30-plus Black businesses and creatives.
When: Saturday, June 18, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina St., Austin
Go to this website for more information.

Resources

Podcasts

Life Examined – Recognizing Juneteenth as a national holiday honors generations of enslaved African Americans, featuring Dr. Peniel Joseph Professor in the LBJ School of Public Affairs and the Department of History of history at the University of Austin and founding director of the LBJ School’s Center for the Study of Race and Democracy (CSRD) at the University of Texas at Austin

New York Times The Daily – The History and Meaning of Juneteenth, featuring Dr. Daina Ramey Berry Professor and Chair of the University of Texas History Department

For me, when I think about Juneteenth as Emancipation Day, and I think about this moment, I feel like we still need to be emancipated. There are still more freedoms that need to be protected. There’s still more laws that need to be revised. There’s still more inclusion that needs to happen. There’s still more achievement to be had. There’s still more space for change and growth.

Dr. Daina Ramey Berry

NPR Morning Edition – What Is Juneteenth? Historians Explain The Holiday’s Importance, featuring Dr. Daina Ramey Berry Professor and Chair of the University of Texas History Department

NPR On Second Thought – Juneteenth: A Celebration Of Freedom, featuring Dr. Daina Ramey Berry Professor and Chair of the University of Texas History Department

Texas Standard – Commentary: Now All Americans Can Learn What Emancipation Day Has Always Meant To Black Texans, featuring Dr. Peniel Joseph Professor in the LBJ School of Public Affairs and the Department of History of history at the University of Austin and founding director of the LBJ School’s Center for the Study of Race and Democracy (CSRD) at the University of Texas at Austin

Further Reading

Life & Letters Magazine – “What is Juneteenth?” by Rachel Winston, Black Diaspora Archivist at the University of Texas Libraries, Dr. Daina Ramey Berry, professor and chair of the Department of History at The University of Texas at Austin; Dr. Kevin Cokley, professor in the Department of Educational Psychology and Department of African and African Diaspora Studies, and director of the Institute for Urban Policy Research and Analysis at The University of Texas at Austin

I will use the words of the historian Mitch Kachun, who says that celebrations of the end of slavery should have three goals: to celebrate, to educate, and to agitate. Given the centrality of food to African American culture, celebrations usually feature food (e.g., cookouts, family reunions, outdoor parties, picnics, fairs). Additionally, there are typically lectures, presentations and exhibitions that showcase African American culture. Readings from prominent African Americans are also often featured.

Dr. Kevin Cokley

CNN Opinion – Having Juneteenth as a national holiday offers possibilities Americans can’t ignore by Dr. Peniel Joseph, professor in the LBJ School of Public Affairs and the Department of History, founding director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy at The University of Texas at Austin