June 19, or Juneteenth, is a holiday celebrated to commemorate and memorialize the emancipation of the last slaves in the US, who just so happened to be in Texas. Although Juneteenth has become a national holiday, many people still don't know the origins of Juneteenth and its importance. What better way to learn than read? Here are some Juneteenth reads for the whole family. Happy Juneteenth!
"A chorus of extraordinary voices tells the epic story of the four-hundred-year journey of African Americans from 1619 to the present."
"Weaving together American history, dramatic family chronicle, and searing episodes of memoir, Annette Gordon-Reed’s On Juneteenth provides a historian’s view of the country’s long road to Juneteenth, recounting both its origins in Texas and the enormous hardships that African-Americans have endured in the century since, from Reconstruction through Jim Crow and beyond. All too aware of the stories of cowboys, ranchers, and oilmen that have long dominated the lore of the Lone Star State, Gordon-Reed—herself a Texas native and the descendant of enslaved people brought to Texas as early as the 1820s—forges a new and profoundly truthful narrative of her home state, with implications for us all."
"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. This beautiful eBook will captivate both children and adults."
"The 'Grandmother of Juneteenth,' Ms. Opal Lee advocates for the power of education to change the world. As an engaging and captivating way to introduce the history of slavery and freedom to children in words they can understand, Ms. Opal highlights the celebration of Juneteenth and the importance of commemorating this milestone all across America. Juneteenth: A Children's Story Special Edition will help to facilitate conversation and deeper learning about this important part of United States history now marked as a national holiday."
As a Texas native, I was introduced to Juneteenth as a young child. What about you? When were you introduced to Juneteenth, and what do you do to celebrate?
I was introduced to Juneteenth maybe when in 2000… sometimes I celebrate with my crew, or go to festival where they have booths or support a black businesses. I’m a Texas native as well.