Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement.
And as of May 2022, Juneteenth is a legal state holiday in Connecticut!
Learn More About Juneteenth History
Historical Legacy from the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture
Britannica.com Video:– The history of the Juneteenth holiday, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
Ways to Celebrate
LOCAL:
New Haven – INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF ARTS & IDEAS
Enjoy a weekend of free programs in New Haven, from concerts to outdoor markets.
Milford – Celebration on the Green
West Haven – Fair with music & food at Brent Watt Park
LISTEN: A rendition of the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing“
from The National Museum of African American History and Culture
MAKE: A Flag
READ: Official Juneteenth Poem
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WE ROSE From Africa’s heart, we rose |
| Kristina Kay, We Rose © 1996, Juneteenth.com |
More . . .
Suggested Reading
At the Stratford Library:
“Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory or an acceptance of the way things are. It’s a celebration of progress. It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible—and there is still so much work to do.” — Barack Obama