Juneteenth commemorates the day federal troops arrived to free the last enslaved Americans in Galveston, Texas. Though the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1st, 1863, all enslaved people were not freed until June 19th, 1865; around two and a half years later. This was likely due to news traveling intentionally slow and enslavers disregarding the proclamation.
Juneteenth is the oldest holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the U.S. It became a day of celebration, family togetherness, prayer, barbeques, music, and other joyful events and activities.
Juneteenth is a significant day in our nation’s history. Join us in observing and celebrating!
How Guild Staff are Celebrating Juneteenth
“I will be donating to the Food For Your Soul free meal program! Their Venmo account is @soulbowlmn and $10=1 meal sponsored” – Kelsi Thompson, Community Resource Specialist
“Remembering the ones that have come to our location and have since left, to keep them in my thoughts and prayers that their challenges have become manageable, maintaining good health.” – Guild House Coordinator/Culinary Educator
“Watching documentaries.” – Corey Samuels, PATH Outreach Worker
“We as a family are going to watch movies as well as doing the virtual tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of African-American history and cultures slavery and freedom exhibit.” – Kary Tucci MICD Ramsey County ACT Team
“Reading The New Jim Crow and educating my family and friends on what Juneteenth is and means to BIPOC individuals.” – Andrew, Mental Health Counselor
“Gather together with family & friends, attend community events to celebrate, fellowship and educate/share its history with my daughters.” – Ebony Johnson, Employment Specialist
“I will be traveling to my hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where I will be seeing “In The Heights” with family and friends. I’ve already seen it once, and it’s an incredible story featuring a diverse cast and celebrating themes such as immigration. https://www.playbill.com/article/watch-the-first-8-minutes-of-the-in-the-heights-movie-now” – Tristan Klausegger, HR Generalist
“I hope to finish reading How to Be Less Stupid About Race by Crystal M. Fleming and start reading Legendborn by Tracy Deonn.” – Bridget, Communications Associate
“Watching a movie with an African American cast.” – Dana Conroy, Employment Specialist
“I will spend Juneteenth outside, if it’s nice, and finishing Ibram X. Kendi’s book, “Stamped From the Beginning.” Or, if my partner and neighbors are able, we plan to discuss the documentary “Black Men in White Coats.” It’s important to keep learning and keep challenging yourself.”
“I plan to spend the day engaging in mutual aid and rest! Most cities/neighborhoods have Facebook groups for mutual aid now, where folks can post their needs. It’s a great opportunity to get involved and become a part of the community. Mutual aid is the future! As far as rest goes, I believe it’s a crucial part of engagement. Burnout, fatigue, and apathy are all products of a lack of rest. So, I plan to recharge by sitting in the sun, reading, and dancing, so I can continue the lifelong practice of anti-racism and mutual aid.” – Claire Holtz, Marketing and Communications Manager
“I have a childhood friend visiting me, who now lives out of state. I plan to make a point to have a discussion with her sharing information I have learned through reading, webinars & Guild’s book club that I participated in this past year. We may also drive down where George Floyd Square is and through the area that was burned on Lake Street last year as I think she would find that very moving. I visited George Floyd Square last fall, but haven’t driven through the Lake Street area in the past year.” – Cindy Buckett, Program Coordinator TCM Teams
“I plan to spend Juneteenth honoring my ancestors, studying the facts of my history that were denied to me for so long, and meditating on the way forward.” – Raquel Willis
“Watch Movies night from the following list: 51 Black Movies on Netflix That You’ll Want to Watch on Repeat,” – Laurie Bell
“Listing to podcasts focused on anti-racism work, looking into organizations to support, and having conversations with my circle about the holiday and how we can stay engaged throughout the year.” – Laura, Program Manager
Sources:
What is Juneteenth?, The History Channel.
What is Juneteenth?, PBS.
So You Want to Learn About Juneteenth?, New York Times.
Juneteenth, African American Museum of Iowa.