Juneteenth 2023

Martha Yates Jones (left) and Pinkie Yates (right), daughters of Rev. Jack Yates, in a decorated carriage parked in front of the Antioch Baptist Church located in Houston's Fourth Ward, 1908 — Source 

Happy Juneteenth!

On June 19, 1865, nearly two and a half years after Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, announcing the end of the Civil War and freedom for all enslaved African Americans. This marked the beginning of Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, a celebration that has been observed for over 150 years. In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday, celebrated nationwide with captivating storytelling, prayer, music, and family barbecue with red food and drink.

Join the community in exploration of the resources that pay tribute to the celebratory customs of Juneteenth, as we honor the past, reflect on our present, and continue to work towards a more just future for all.

• Smithsonian | National Museum of African American History & Culture
  • In celebration of Juneteenth 2023, the National Museum of African American History and Culture returns to its perennial theme, Senses of Freedom: The Taste, Sound, and Experience of an African American Celebration. Explore the history of the holiday, original photography of the first Black family reunions, the symbolism of red foods, music that represents perseverance, and so much more.

• NPR 
  • A Juneteenth Playlist
    • Pianist Lara Downes created a collection of music playlists and accompanying features to mark this day of remembrance, reflection, and rejoicing.
      • Songs For Freedom (Spotify)
      • Songs to Believe In (Spotify)
  • ‘What To The Slave Is The Fourth Of July?’
    • Five young descendants of Frederick Douglass read and responded to his famous keynote address, given at an Independence Day celebration on July 5, 1852.

• Austin PBS | Juneteenth Jamboree
  • Austin PBS presents a collection of documentary videos that chronicle Texan celebrations of Juneteenth from 2008-2022.

On Tuesday, June 20th, check out A Juneteenth Conversation with Jennifer L. Morgan, hosted by the Office of Global Inclusion, Diversity, and Strategic Innovation. OGI also curated a list of resources, which include in-person events happening around NYC.

And visit our communications archive to read last year’s Juneteenth message and engage with more resources!