Juneteenth is a federal holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The emancipation came about as a result of a decree signed by Union Army General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865. This declaration made it legal for slaves in Texas to go free.
Celebrate
There are many ways to celebrate Juneteenth, from hosting a Juneteenth yard sign exchange in your neighborhood to inviting elected officials to your block party. The event is also a great time to recognize community service efforts and recognize individuals and groups who are contributing to the community. For instance, you could have a Juneteenth meal with the theme “Striving to be the best,” where each person can make specific pledges to do good in their community.
Juneteenth is a time to remember the people who fought for civil rights, and it is also a time to celebrate your community’s diversity. Traditionally, Juneteenth celebrations feature red and green flags, which represent the colors of the Pan-African flag. This flag was created in the 1920s, and is a symbol of freedom and the African diaspora.
To celebrate Juneteenth, make sure you support local businesses owned by black people. This small act can have a big impact on your quality of life, the economy, and the development of your community. You can also post statements on social media about your commitment to anti-racism efforts. In addition, non-Black allies can demonstrate their support for black people by volunteering at Juneteenth events, making a donation directly to members of the Black community, and working with Black-led organizations in your community.
Juneteenth celebrations began in 1866 and today include cookouts, parades, prayer gatherings, and parties. In the early 1980s, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which made Juneteenth a federal holiday. In recent years, the popularity of the Black Lives Matter movement and the history of the Civil War have boosted interest in Juneteenth’s recognition as a national holiday.
The Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, ending slavery in the confederate states. However, the institution of slavery remained unaffected in areas of the United States outside the Union’s control. On June 19, 1865, Union troops led by Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and released the last enslaved African Americans.
If you’re attending a Juneteenth celebration, make sure to watch a panel discussion about the history and political significance of the holiday. Yale professor David Blight and Princeton historian Eddie Glaude, Jr. will discuss the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass, who was an abolitionist and a writer in the 19th century. Douglass’ legacy continues to resonate today.
Donate
One of the best ways to honor Juneteenth is to donate to causes that help the Black community. There are many organizations that focus on civil rights and black history. Donating to these organizations can help those in need and show that you care about the future of the Black community. In addition to making a difference in the world, donating to civil rights programs can also have a positive impact on your own community.
For more information about the charities and nonprofits you can support, visit the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. It has a starter list of organizations that meet the BBB’s 20 Standards for Charity Accountability. Many of these organizations have a mission to help people of color overcome racism and oppression.
If you have not made a donation to Juneteenth before, there are still many great causes to support. You can support organizations that fight for racial justice and support for transgender people. There are also many groups that work to promote the rights of Black youth. For example, one organization runs coding boot camps for Black girls. Another is the Dream Defenders, which seeks to end racial profiling and incarceration. And finally, the Colin Kaepernick Know Your Rights Camp gives young Black kids a voice.
Another way to support Juneteenth is to attend a local demonstration. You can join a demonstration for racial justice or to support the #BLM movement. Additionally, you can buy goods and services from Black-owned businesses and support their work. By giving to Juneteenth, you are doing your part to celebrate Black culture and freedom.
Juneteenth is a federally recognized holiday. It is also known as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, and Jubilee Day. This day commemorates the day in 1865 when federal troops freed enslaved people in Galveston, Texas. By 2022, Father’s Day will fall on the same day as Juneteenth.
Donate to organizations dedicated to equality and empowerment for Black Americans
To commemorate Juneteenth and celebrate the history of Black American activism, you can make a donation to organizations that are dedicated to equality and empowerment for Black Americans. Your contribution will help support programs that provide educational opportunities and mental health support to minority youth and women. Your donations will also go toward supporting organizations that provide reproductive care and medical assistance to people of color.
The 2021 Juneteenth Fund is a great way to celebrate Juneteenth and help support organizations dedicated to empowering Black Americans. These organizations are dedicated to addressing the many forms of oppression in the United States, such as racism and sexism. Their work addresses education, policy, and access to quality healthcare.
If you are looking for a nonprofit to donate to, consider giving to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. This organization was founded by Thurgood Marshall in 1940 and is committed to expanding democracy and eliminating racial disparities. It also promotes racial justice and protects voting rights.
Juneteenth is a federally recognized holiday that honors the freedom of enslaved people in the South. It is also known as Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day, and Freedom Day. Historically, Juneteenth celebrations were political rallies for newly freed enslaved people. However, during the early 20th century, Juneteenth celebrations declined, largely due to Jim Crow laws that disenfranchised Black people. However, the Civil Rights Movement reignited the celebration of Juneteenth.
Several major companies have taken action to support the Black community on Juneteenth. Some companies have released statements stating their support for the Black community on Twitter, while others have partnered with nonprofit organizations to support the Black community. For example, GE, Exelon, and Relativity recently announced their support for the black community by donating $1 million to the Equal Justice Initiative, and Exelon, the largest electricity company in the world, donated $1 million to the Museum of African American History in Boston, which will use the money to support a new social justice initiative.
