Officially recognized as a Federal Holiday in 2021, Juneteenth (June 19th) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865, took control of the state, and ensured that all enslaved people were freed. It was the last American city to finally implement the Emancipation Proclamation (2.5 years after it was signed).
This book list features stories and context about Juneteenth so we can learn from our past, acknowledge, and honor the experiences of Black Americans.
Also don’t forget to check out the collection of films addressing the history and legacy of Juneteenth on Kanopy: Juneteenth | Kanopy
Juneteenth: Celebrating the End of Slavery in the United States by Alliah L. Agostini and illustrated by Sawyer Cloud
Juneteenth by Kevin P. Winn and Kelisa Wing
A Flag for Juneteenth by Kim Taylor
Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth by Alice Faye Duncan and illustrated by Keturah A Bobo
Free at Last: A Juneteenth Poem by Sojourner Kincaid Rolle and illustrated by Alex Bostic
Seeking Freedom: The Untold Story of Fortress Monroe and the Ending of Slavery in America by Selene Castrovilla and illustrated by EB Lewis
28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World by Charles R. Smith Jr. and illustrated by Shane W. Evans
Black Boy Joy: Stories edited by Kwame Mbalia
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans by Kadir Nelson
Your Legacy: A Bold Reclaiming of Our Enslaved History by Schele Williams and illustrated by Tonya Engel
All Different Now: Juneteenth the First Day of Freedom by Angela Johnson and illustrated by EB Lewis
