This year, we celebrate Juneteenth, the annual commemoration of the official end of slavery, as a federal holiday for the first time. As recognition of this day expands, so too does the realization that many of us grew up with limited–or even no–awareness of its history or importance. Thankfully, it’s never too late to educate ourselves.
Here’s a few of the resources we’re relying upon to build our own knowledge, with gratitude to the authors, podcasters and creators featured. Happy Juneteenth.
Reading Lists:
- 10 Powerful Books for Adults, Teens, Kids to Celebrate and Understand Juneteenth, via BU Today
- 18 Books to Celebrate Juneteenth With, via Essence
- 5 Books To Read On Social Justice That Go Beyond The Instructive, author Kiese Laymon, via NPR
- These Children’s Books About Juneteenth Are A Must For Families, via Romper
- Beloved Black Cookbooks for Juneteenth, via NPR’s Code Switch
Podcasts:
- What A Day: The Legacy of Juneteenth
- The Daily: The History and Meaning of Juneteenth
- Code Switch: A Taste of Freedom
- The Takeaway: A Very Special Juneteenth Episode
- First Name Basis: What is Juneteenth and How Can I Celebrate?
Black Bookstagrammers to Follow:
Recent recommendation: How the Word is Passed, by Clint Smith
Recent recommendation: All Boys Aren’t Blue, by George M. Johnson
Recent recommendation: We Do This ‘Til We Free Us, by Mariame Kaba
Recent recommendation: Cack-Handed by Gina Yashere
5. @reggiereads
Recent recommendation: Long Division, by Kiese Akili
