Ways to Recognize and Celebrate Juneteenth

June 19, 1865 marks the day when news of emancipation and the Civil War’s end finally reached the last group of slaves in America. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, it would take nearly two-and-a-half years for Lincoln’s proclamation to be relayed in Texas, and even then, not all enslaved people were freed instantly. The holiday represents the ways in which freedom for Black people has been delayed by the ongoing institutional and systemic oppression of Black people in America. It is a reminder that “nobody is free until everybody is free.”

EVOLVE is honoring Juneteenth as a paid holiday for our organization. We are encouraging our staff to celebrate this day of freedom, as well as utilizing this time as an opportunity to push forward in antiracist work through continued education, holding difficult and important conversations regarding race equity, researching and considering areas of impact for change in our programs, agency, and the child welfare system at large, or participating in community service, engagement, or action.

We encourage everyone to be engaged and take action as we celebrate Juneteenth.

Ways to Recognize and Celebrate Juneteenth

Educate yourself and your family about this day
– History of Juneteenth
– So You Want to Learn About Juneteenth?

Educate yourself and your family on black history, systemic racism and white supremacy: read books and articles, listen to podcasts, or watch documentaries and movies
Documentaries:
– 12 Free Documentaries And Shows About Black History And Racism In America
– 10 Must-Watch Black History Movies and Documentaries on Netflix
Movies:
– 48 Black Movies on Netflix that you’ll want to watch on repeat
– These films explore black lives impacted by white authority
Books:
– Understanding and Dismantling Racism: A Booklist for White Readers
– Several Antiracist Books Are Selling Out. Here’s What Else Black Booksellers and Publishers Say You Should Read.
– Twelve Books to Help Children Understand Race, Anti-Racism and Protest
Podcasts:
– This List Of Books, Films And Podcasts About Racism Is A Start, Not A Panacea
– 15 Informative Podcasts to Learn About Race Relations in America

Use social media or your personal blog (if you have one) to share posts and information related Juneteenth and anti-racist resources.
Social media accounts to follow:
– Five Instagram Accounts to Follow
– 60 Instagram accounts run by Black artists, designers, and creatives of all types

Support local black-owned businesses
– A list of locally-owned restaurants, breweries, beauty shops, gyms, apparel and more – click HERE
– A Roundup of Black-Owned Restaurant Lists For Supporting These Businesses in the Twin Cities – click HERE
– Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce
– Black-Owned Book Stores
– MN’s only black owned comic book store celebrates black history 24/7

Watch the 2020 Virtual Juneteenth Music Festival

Support black organizations and the community
– Ways You Can Support the Black LGBTQ+ Community
– Black-Led LGBTQ+ Services and Groups
– 137 Ways to Donate in Support of Black Lives and Communities of Color