Juneteenth is approaching quickly. In the United States, Juneteenth is a celebrated holiday. The holiday commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas on June 19th, 1865. Most enslaved people were freed months or years before those in Texas. Ever since their freedom, people in Texas commonly celebrate it. Recently, other states have also started celebrating Juneteenth. Now it is an official Federal holiday in the United States.
I am glad that people are paying attention to and celebrating Juneteenth. People need to know about its history of it and its significance. Juneteenth is part of the long line of historical events that shaped Black History and the history of the United States. I composed this post to show you books to help you understand Juneteenth, Black history, and culture.
Books to Read for Juneteenth
Alliah L. Agostini discusses the historical events leading up to Juneteenth. Children would learn about the history of the Fourth of July, Abolitionists, the Emancipation Proclamation, Frederick Douglass’s Fourth of July Address, and what happened in Galveston Texas after the Union troops announced the freedom of the enslaved people.
This book gives an in-depth history of the events before and after Juneteenth. The book is best for older children since the book is longer and goes over many historical events.
Children's Books
The People Could Fly
Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry
On Juneteenth
The author talks about her hesitance to join in holiday celebrations with people from outside Texas. She instead sees that by the Federal government declaring Juneteenth a national holiday, it acknowledges what took place in her hometown. An acknowledgment that Juneteenth is a part of Texas history but has a nation’s history. History of how the events leading up to and after show the road of freedom for African Americans.
Where to find the book: Here, Here, or at your local library.
Where to find a book: Here and Here and your local library.
She also has another book called Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists
Where to find the book: Here or at your local library.
James Baldwin The Fire Next Time
You can also read James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time. The intro is a letter James Baldwin wrote to his nephew. He talks about his father and brother. He reflects on his relationship with his brother and how his brother would act as a child. Reflects on the world that crushed his brother's soul. The racism he and many others faced hurt them.
James Baldwin was a very excellent writer, and his book is great for those who want to learn about the impact of racism.
The Collected Poetry of Nikki Giovanni
Stony The Road
Also read Stony the Road: Reconstruction, White Supremacy, and the Rise of Jim Crow this is written by historian Henry Louis Gates.
Cook or Culinary Books
Excellent books to find recipes for Juneteenth.
The Cooking Gene: A Through African American Culinary History in the Old South
Winner of the James Beard award and featured on the Netflix show High of the Hog. Twitty is an excellent book that focuses on culinary history. He takes readers through his culinary history.
Where to find the Book Find Here, Here, and the local library.
Support Black Organizations
You can also donate to organizations like Girl Trek, Loveland Foundation, NAACP, and UNCF. You can support local black businesses in your area.
