3 Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth - Our Newest Federal Holiday.
In January 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation was put in place. Enslaved people were declared legally free throughout the United States.
Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was in effect, it wasn't necessarily implemented. Fighting continued, now with 200,000 Black soldiers joining the Union troops while also spreading the word of freedom to slaves throughout the Confederate South. The last battle of the Civil War was fought in 1865 - a full two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Texas was amongst the last strongholds of the South. As the story goes, on June 19th, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger and his men arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced that the president had signed a proclamation that freed all slaves. It is believed that some 250,000 enslaved people only first learned of their freedom on this day.
This day is what we now know as Juneteenth.
Juneteenth is known to some as our country’s “ second independence day”. It has been celebrated in African American communities for more than 150 years. Outside of these communities, the importance of Juneteenth has often been unnoticed or under-recognized.
In 2021, efforts of activists were rewarded when US President Joe Biden signed a bill into law that officially designated Juneteenth as an American holiday.
Looking for ways you and your family can honor this holiday?
Here are 3 ways to participate in Juneteenth this year.
1.Read and Learn More
Check out the Juneteenth Reading List HERE on the National Museum of African American History & Cultures website.
2.Shop Black-owned businesses
Shopping local black-owned businesses is a great way to celebrate Juneteenth and support your local community.
Tell your friends, take time to write a great review, and share your favorite brands on your social media pages.
3.Attend Local Events - Check out all these events happening in Oakland. Click each event to learn more.
Freedomful Fest: Juneteenth Weekend Celebration
June 17 at 9 p.m.
Crybaby (1928 Telegraph Ave.)
Tickets $15-30
This new Oakland bar in the former Uptown space celebrates the holiday Friday night with live DJ sets from Nana Kwabena, Lady Ryan, Kenzo and Slowlikewhoa.
Juneteenth Food and Music Festival
June 17 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Liberation Park (7101 Foothill Blvd.)
Tickets free-$45
Third annual Juneteenth In The Town Jubilee
June 18 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Tickets: $125-25,000
Afrocentric Oakland’s Juneteenth Weekend
June 18-19 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Lake Merritt Amphitheater
Tickets $5-850
Red Bay Coffee grand opening
June 19 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
3206 Grand Ave.
Free