Happy Juneteenth from the African American Cultural Center

Juneteeth

June 19th marks the 155th celebration of the announcement of the liberation of our Black ancestors from enslavement in Galveston, Texas. Be encouraged and do not grow weary from doing good — even as we continue fighting against the same exploitative and violent systems that our ancestors boldly resisted on June 19, 1865. Remember that our liberation is interconnected, and if one is oppressed, then we all are. May this day serve as a time of remembrance for those who came before us, a celebration of all that has been accomplished thus far and a call to co-create communities that are healed and free.

Sadly, most public celebrations have been canceled due to COVID-19. However, we encourage you to celebrate in ways that are safer, restorative and full of joy. Know that we are with you in spirit and thoughts. Remember the words of J. Rosamond Johnson and James Welson Johnson, “…Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, let us march on til’ victory is won…”

Happy Juneteenth!

Ways to Celebrate

NC State Online Resources

Virtual Events

Lunch & Learn: Celebrating Juneteenth

For this installment of its Lunch & Learn series, the Charlotte Museum of History welcomes Khadija McNair, assistant site manager at Stagville State Historic Site, to explore the enduring legacy of Juneteenth — what it is; why it matters; and celebrate the accomplishments, resistance and persistence of the people Juneteenth remembers.

#TheBounceBackRDU

To commemorate the resilient spirit of African Americans and to celebrate Juneteenth, #TheBounceBackRDU, a virtual storytelling event, will stream live on YouTube and Facebook at 7 p.m., Friday, June 19, 2020. #TheBounceBackRDU features eight African Americans sharing stories about a time they fell down but didn’t stay down — they bounced back. The series is produced by Alexus Rhone, founder of Truth Meet Story, LLC, in partnership with Raleigh Arts and SEEK Raleigh.

Darkness to Light, Education, Notables and Sacred Places Lecture

People of African descent are some of the oldest residents in Galveston, inhabiting the island as early as 1528, some as slaves and some as free Blacks. Join authors Tommie Boudreaux and Alice Gatson for a look through the history of African-American Galveston held in conjunction with Juneteenth 2020. June 19, 3-4 p.m.

Other Resources

From the Open Library