# Freedom Day
Considered the longest-running African American holiday, Juneteenth has been celebrated by African Americans since the 1800s and became a federal holiday in 2021. A combination of the words "June" and "nineteenth," it is celebrated on the anniversary of the order, issued by Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, proclaiming freedom for slaves in Texas.
Please note: Jacksonville Public Library will be closed on Thursday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth Freedom Day. So, be sure to pick up your books early or check out our Digital Library.
If you're still somewhat new to Juneteenth celebrations or you'd like to share the history with your children, the Library has books to help you out! Check out the book recommendations below to learn more about the history of this holiday as well as the ways it's traditionally celebrated.
June is also Soul Food Month and African American Music Month. You'll find a few extra books mixed in with the booklist for adults, just in case you're looking for new recipes or songs to use this Juneteenth at your family or community celebration.
Did You Know?
The Juneteenth flag uses the colors red, white, and blue of the American flag to reinforce the message that all enslaved people and their descendants are American. The red on the bottom of the flag represents the blood shed by Black Americans who were enslaved. There is a "bursting star of freedom" featured prominently in the center of the flag as well as a horizontal arc (dividing the red and blue), which is meant to symbolize the new horizon of opportunity for Black people.
Note: Florida also celebrates Emancipation Day on May 20. Emancipation was proclaimed in Tallahassee on May 20, 1865, 11 days after the end of the Civil War, and two years after the Proclamation first issued by President Abraham Lincoln freed those enslaved in Southern states.
# You May Also Like...
Lit Chat Interview with Kevin Sack
Kevin Sack is a veteran journalist and Jacksonville native who has written about national affairs for more than four decades and has been part of three Pulitzer Prize–winning teams. His debut book, Mother Emanuel, is a sweeping history of the first AME Church in the South and a profound story of courage and grace amid the fight for racial justice. An audience Q&A and book signing will follow with books available for sale from Café Resistance.
4 to 5 p.m. on Friday, June 20, at Main Library
