Juneteenth: History & Resources

This Community Guide serves as a starting point for learning about Juneteenth, the annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Observed each year on June 19, Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were informed of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Here, you’ll find a curated selection of resources that offer historical context and invite reflection on the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Whether you’re new to Juneteenth or looking to deepen your understanding, this guide provides a foundation for exploration, discussion, and engagement.

We encourage you to use this guide as a jumping-off point for further learning—through books, articles, media, and community experiences.

Emancipation came 2 years and 6 months late to the enslaved being held in bondage in Texas. In fact, this news didn't reach these men, women, and children until after the Gettysburg Address, the assassination of President Lincoln, and the beginning of the end of the Civil War.