Celebrating Juneteenth

What Is Juneteenth?

This article written by filmmaker, literary scholar, journalist and cultural critic Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explains the origins of Juneteenth, what the celebration entails and how it connects to the end of slavery.

One Woman's Decades-Long Fight to Make Juneteenth a U.S. Holiday

This NPR article tells the story of Opal Lee, also known as “the grandmother of Juneteenth.” You’ll learn about the long struggle she worked through to receive official recognition for the celebration. Now 94, Opal has spent decades being involved in the Juneteenth movement, including a walking campaign in 2016 from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. ​​urging Congress to pass legislation for a federal holiday.

South Bend Symphony Orchestra Presents: A Juneteenth Celebration

This film originally aired on WNIT Public Television in 2021 presented by Marvin Curtis, former dean of the Raclin School of the Arts at Indiana University South Bend, alongside the South Bend Symphony Orchestra. It features music from four composers of African descent along with history about South Bend. You’ll also see interviews with local figures like Gladys Muhammad, and performances by Emorja Roberson and Pam Blair.

Indiana Black Expo South Bend Chapter: Historical Brochures and Pamphlets

These materials from 2004 and 2005 are found in the library’s Michiana Memory digital archive. They give a snapshot into how Juneteenth was celebrated years ago in South Bend and who was involved, giving a greater understanding of what Juneteenth is all about in this community.

Watermelon & Red Birds: a Cookbook for Juneteenth and Black Celebrations

One important way to celebrate Juneteenth is by looking for recipes from Black chefs instead of commercialized sources. Nicole Taylor is an award-winning food writer. Each chapter explains the traditions and history of Juneteenth, as well as photographs of delicious food (and people enjoying it). It also includes lists of pantry items, kitchen tools and BIPOC-owned food companies.

Juneteenth.com

This Juneteenth website promotes unity, achievement and self-esteem through the celebration of Juneteenth across the nation and beyond. Through these celebrations, a greater understanding of our nation’s diversity will be gained. Since its launch in 1996, the Juneteenth.com website has played an integral role in the dissemination of information and the continuation of the holiday.

The Juneteenth Flag is Full of Symbols—Here's What They Mean

The Juneteenth flag is full of symbols—and understanding them will help to round out the meaning and history of the holiday. This article from CNN details facts about the official flag and the meaning of the colors and symbols used.