Juneteenth
Texts
African American History: From Emancipation to the Present (free Yale course taught by Jonathan Holloway)
Durand Hedden House 2019 Juneteenth event. Found in the Archives section under Black History with the title The Troubled History of Slavery in NJ. It's a great resource on an overlooked and misunderstood part of African American history and NJ history.
UNDERSTANDING A DIFFICULT PAST, by Gail Robyn Safian.
A community celebrates African American history and freedom Revisiting history is important. It helps us understand our past as well as our present, so we can learn from our errors. Last spring, the Durand-Hedden House, Maplewood’s historic house museum, which strives to educate the public about local and regional history.
What Is Juneteenth? by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. | Originally posted on The Root
When Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger issued [General Orders, Number 3], he had no idea that, in establishing the Union Army’s authority over the people of Texas, he was also establishing the basis for a holiday, “Juneteenth” (“June” plus “nineteenth”), today the most popular annual celebration of emancipation from slavery in the United States.
eBooks
Juvenile NonFiction
Juneteenth: Holidays, by R.J. Bailey
In Juneteenth, young readers will learn about this American holiday and the ways people celebrate it. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage emergent readers as they explore this unique holiday.
Juneteenth: Celebrating Holiday, by Rachel Grack
On June 19, 1865 – two years after the Emancipation Proclamation – Galveston, Texas became the last place in the country to learn the slaves were free. Today, Juneteenth is a joyful occasion with parades, speeches, music, and more!
The Story Behind Juneteenth: Holiday Histories, by Jack Reader
Juneteenth, which is celebrated each year on June 19th, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. This holiday began in 1865, more than two years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. News spread much slower back then, and when slaves in Texas finally learned of their freedom, the holiday was born.
All Different Now: Juneteenth, the first day of freedom by Angela Johnson
Through the eyes of one little girl, All Different Now tells the story of the first Juneteenth, the day freedom finally came to the last of the slaves in the South. Since then, the observance of June 19 as African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. This stunning picture book includes notes from the author and illustrator, a timeline of important dates, and a glossary of relevant terms.
Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper
Mazie is ready to celebrate liberty. She is ready to celebrate freedom. She is ready to celebrate a great day in American history. The day her ancestors were no longer slaves. Mazie remembers the struggles and the triumph, as she gets ready to celebrate Juneteenth.
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander
Originally performed for ESPN's The Undefeated, this poem is a love letter to black life in the United States. It highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world's greatest heroes.
Adult Fiction
Juneteenth: A Novel, by Ralph Ellison, Charles Johnson
From Ralph Ellison--author of the classic novel of African-American experience, Invisible Man--the long-awaited second novel. Here is the master of American vernacular--the rhythms of jazz and gospel and ordinary speech--at the height of his powers, telling a powerful, evocative tale of a prodigal of the twentieth century.
Adult NonFiction
General Gordon Granger: The Savior of Chickamauga and the Man Behind "Juneteenth", by Robert Conner
By coming to the aid of Maj. Gen. Thomas—against orders—at the Battle of Chickamauga, Union Gen. Gordon Granger saved the Federal army from catastrophic defeat. Later, he played major roles in the Chattanooga and Mobile campaigns. Immediately after the war, as commander of US troops in Texas, his actions sparked the "Juneteenth" celebrations of slavery's end, which continue to this day.
Events
BLACK Friday: An Online Celebration in Conjunction with Juneteenth
Friday, June 19th 2020 12:00 am - 11:59 pm
Hosted by Progressive Theater to commemorate the delayed announcement of the emancipation of slaves on June 19,1865. This full day of activities will highlight Black Brilliance, Liberation, Appreciation, Consciousness, and Knowledge through song, dance, spoken word, photography, art and more.
Artists interested in participating click here
To RSVP for the 24 hr. celebration click here
From Awareness to Action
Friday, June 19, 2020 - 7:00pm
Mayor McGehee and the Maplewood Township Committee present:
From Awareness to Action
A Forum on Law Enforcement Accountability, Mass Incarceration in America and The Treatment of Black People in our community.
Register in advance for this webinar
Videos
This Is Why Juneteenth Is Important for America (The Root)
Juneteenth isn't just an obscure black holiday. It should be an American celebration!
What is Juneteenth?
We look at where the holiday of Juneteenth came from and why it's still a mystery to so many people.
Black history is more than just slavery | Asia Adams-Lamar | TEDxConcordCarlisleHighSchool
A spoken-word poem about race, pride, education and justice. Asia Adams Lemar attends a Boston public school called Techboston Academy. She aspires to a career in medicine. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.