Juneteenth resources
On June 19, 1865, news about the Emancipation Proclamation finally made its way to the state of Texas in an order from the Union army. Referred to as “Juneteenth,” June 19 continues to serve as a somber reminder that slavery continued for more than two years in the United States after its legal abolition. The order did not make things easier for many of the enslaved, and state-sanctioned discrimination continued long after the first Juneteenth.
On June 19, 2015, the Rev. Dr. Marvin McMickle said, “One hundred fifty years ago, slavery was finally ended in this country, not by any moral persuasion, but by the Union army. But the pain goes on, as does the struggle.”
This page has information on current Juneteenth commemorations and resources to better understand Juneteenth and the continuing need to work for personal freedom.
Opportunities to mark Juneteenth in 2023
Have an event you would like to see added to this list? Email [email protected].
All American Freedom Day: Renewing Passion for Freedom and Democracy
June 19 at 7 p.m. Eastern Time
Carnegie Hall in New York City: Livestream available here
Join the Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes Jr., notable honorees, distinguished speakers and renowned artists for this national celebration of Black culture. This event is presented by the Healing of the Nations Institute of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference in association with Carnegie Hall, and BJC is a sponsor. Learn more.
Alliance of Baptists Juneteenth Vigil
June 19 at noon Eastern Time
Online: Register here
Join the Alliance of Baptists as they honor and remember the history of Juneteenth. They will hold a lunchtime vigil on June 19 at noon Eastern Time, which will feature the Rev. Dr. Aretha Flucker. More details to come, but you can sign up here for this free, online event.
Juneteenth resources
Articles and videos to learn more about Juneteenth and its intersection with religious freedom.
Rev. Dr. Marvin McMickle on 150th anniversary of Juneteenth
Watch the Rev. Dr. Marvin A. McMickle’s keynote address at the 2015 Religious Liberty Council Luncheon in Dallas, Texas, on June 19, 2015. He celebrated the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth, spoke about the importance of both religious liberty and personal liberty, and called the crowd to speak up on issues.
6 books that explain the history and meaning of Juneteenth
Compiled by Dr. Corey D.B. Walker for The Conversation, this list contains readings that can help people better understand the history and meaning of the observance of Juneteenth.
Resources from the National Museum of African American History and Culture
Embrace the rich history of Freedom Day with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visit this page for resources, areas to explore and events.
Podcast: White supremacy and Christian nationalism: A conversation with the Rev. Dr. Jay Augustine
Released Feb. 23, 2023, the Rev. Dr. Jay Augustine joined Amanda and Holly on this episode of the Respecting Religion podcast for wide-ranging conversation about white supremacy, Christian nationalism and religious freedom.
Juneteenth and the promise of religious freedom
White supremacy has always been a deadly threat for Black bodies, but it has been a threat to Black religious freedom, too. Read this article written in 2020 by Kathryn Freeman, a 2017 BJC Fellow and attorney who lives in Texas.
Podcast: When religious liberty covers racism
Released June 11, 2020, BJC Director of Education Charles Watson Jr. joined Amanda and Holly on this episode of the Respecting Religion podcast for a personal conversation about his experiences and how his work at BJC intersects with the work for racial justice.
A Juneteenth conversation with Charles Watson Jr. and Amanda Tyler
Watch this conversation recorded live on Facebook on June 19, 2020, with BJC Director of Education Charles Watson Jr. and BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler as they share their different experiences connecting with Juneteenth.
The power of the state should never be used to prefer one religious tradition above any and all others, and I’m only too aware historically of the centuries-long struggle of religious intolerance and the quest for religious liberty.
Juneteenth is the day the nation our Framers envisioned was born. … Juneteenth is a holiday for all of us, because as the last of the formerly enslaved were freed from their bondage, they began making their way as perfecters of this union.
