Although its time as a federal holiday may be short, Juneteenth celebrations have deep roots within African-American communities.
Celebrated each June 19th, the holiday commemorates the freedom of enslaved people in Texas, symbolizing the end of slavery within the United States. Whether with memorials or parties, the purpose is to rejoice over liberation, resistance, and resilience.
But what can you do to celebrate Juneteenth respectfully? From profound to joyous, the possibilities are endless! Take a look at the best 16 things to do on Juneteenth.
Juneteenth Things to do at Home.
No matter what people say, you don’t need to go out to celebrate Juneteenth in style. Whether you live alone, with roommates, or with your family, you can do plenty of activities that keep that Juneteenth spirit intact.
01. Juneteenth Trivia Night and Games.
Trivia games and other fun learning activities are excellent options for families and groups of friends, particularly those with children. They provide lots of fun and enhance education about African American history.
02. Host a Celebratory Movie Night.
Plenty of movies and TV shows focus on Black history and, thus, can provide mindful entertainment with a profound sociopolitical impact. Best part? It doesn’t even have to be Juneteenth-related! Supporting content by Black creators is another excellent angle—and the perfect excuse to marathon all Jordan Peele films.
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03. Prepare and Discuss a Juneteenth Reading List.
If you are a bookworm and surround yourself with fellow reading enthusiasts, celebrating Juneteenth with mindful debates around relevant books is another excellent idea. Honor history by reading, discussing, and analyzing non-fiction such as Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom by David W. Blight or On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed.
04. Give a chance to relevant, diverse games.
Even if you don’t plan on doing anything out of the routine, you can celebrate Juneteenth simply by supporting Black and African American creatives and projects. If you’re a gamer, consider supporting Black developers, teams, or streamers. Likewise, games that offer a powerful perspective on slavery, such as Assassin’s Creed: Freedom Cry.
Juneteenth Things to do Outside.
Celebrating Juneteenth is the perfect opportunity to gather with others in your community and share the joy of freedom. If you can go out and enjoy a day out of the ordinary, give these ideas a try.
05. Attend local Juneteenth Festivals.
Many communities organize Juneteenth events alongside local leaders, businesses, churches, and institutions. Whether it’s a parade, barbecues, or Miss Juneteenth contests, odds are something is happening near you. If your local government has nothing going on, you can encourage them to join!
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06. Visit an African-American Museum.
Juneteenth is a celebration and an invitation to immerse yourself in African American culture—its rich history, artistic expression, and empowering heritage. Many African-American museums are worth visiting, including the National Civil Rights Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. However, odds are even your local museum will host a Juneteenth special.
07. Join Opal Lee’s Walk for Freedom.
The Grandmother of Juneteenth is more than just a symbol. She is unarguably the embodiment of the holiday’s importance.
The Nobel Prize nominee began in 2016 an annual walk that stretches across 2.5 miles, representing the 2.5 years it took for the Emancipation Proclamation news to reach all enslaved people in the United States. You can join her walks, walk virtually, or check local walks near you.
08. Create your own Juneteenth Party.
If there are no events in your community or you simply wish to do something else, consider organizing your Juneteenth party. Something as simple as a backyard party with traditional dishes is one of the most popular ways to celebrate Juneteenth. Barbecue is highly popular, as is any other type of red dish since the color represents the blood and resilience of enslaved people.
Juneteenth Things to do at Work.
Now more than ever, it’s essential to remember the meaning and power behind Juneteenth—particularly in the workplace. If your workplace doesn’t recognize Juneteenth as a paid holiday, celebrating it alongside your workmates and colleagues makes a difference.
09. Encourage Meaningful Discussion in the Workplace.
The true spirit of Juneteenth is about the continuous and ongoing journey toward true racial equality. Discussing diversity initiatives and hearing the perspective of African American employees is an excellent way to ensure your workplace remains race-conscious and leads affirmative change.
10. Propose or Establish a Lunch and Learn.
A Juneteenth-centered Lunch and Learn program is an excellent way to provide meaningful information about the holiday and its significance within the workplace.
From the history behind it to its legacy in contemporary America, this type of activity is always a valuable way to enjoy meals with a side of knowledge.
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11. Bring an Expert (African-American!) Guest Speaker.
Juneteenth is a celebration for everyone, yet it’s clear that Black and African American voices are the ones that should be amplified. Give the central stage at your workplace to an expert Black or African-American guest speaker who can share their area of knowledge with your employees and coworkers.
12. Release Social Media Statements.
Publishing photos, messages, or videos associated with your organization’s Juneteenth celebrations are an excellent way to raise awareness and normalize them across the country. Of course, make sure your social media presence is on par with real-life efforts to make a change and live up to the Juneteenth spirit.
Juneteenth Things to do that Make a Difference.
At the end of the day, Juneteenth celebrates the start of the journey toward equity – one that is far from over. Keeping this in mind, the best thing to do on Juneteenth is to become a champion of change and ensure that your actions positively impact Black and African American communities.
13. Support Black-Owned Businesses.
An easy way to make an impact is to support Black-owned businesses. Whether it is a local restaurant or an innovative new product, your monetary contribution will immediately have a profound impact on the community’s growth. Granted, this is something you should do year-round if you can!
14. Donate to Black nonprofits and Organizations.
If you have extra money in your pocket, consider using Juneteenth as the perfect excuse to give back. Many organizations support, uphold, and fight for the Black and African-American community every day, and they could use your support. Consider local nonprofits and organizations, but other great options are Black Lives Matter, Children’s Defense Fund, and Black Girls Code.
15. Encourage your neighborhood to celebrate Juneteenth.
It is not too late if your neighborhood has not jumped onto the Juneteenth bandwagon yet. Lead the change in your area and be the first to share the joy of America’s second Independence Day with the best African-American music, food, and culture.
16. Spread the word and uplift Black voices.
The best thing you can do on Juneteenth should be part of your everyday life: spread the word and use your voice to uphold the values it represents. If you are not Black, rest assured—your voice is welcome to join in. Just make sure to uplift the words, thoughts, and ideas of the Black community as you join Opal Lee’s march toward equity.
