Juneteenth: Freedom Day
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Texas was the first state to proclaim Emancipation Day (Juneteenth) as an official state holiday. Juneteenth holiday represents a time to gather with family and community, honor the present and reflect on shared history and tradition.
As a community of learners and advocates for justice and equality, Stetson University College of Law is honored to provide students, faculty, and staff with a resource to learn about Juneteenth. In addition to joining this national celebration, Stetson Law invites you to explore this community resource page.
While this page is the result of a collaborative effort, it is not a comprehensive resource. We encourage students, faculty, and staff to explore other resources and to feel free to share those that may add to the richness of this page. Please email any insights to [email protected].
Events | Learn | Engage | Resources
Events
Juneteenth Jam Brunch: Panel & Community Conversation
The Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg
June 3│ 11:30 am-5 pm│Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg (2333 34th St. S., Saint Petersburg, FL)
Join us for a day of Healing, Restoration, and Fun! Juneteenth, as you know, is a day of Black Liberation. This Program will aid in equipping equitable resources through celebration and resiliency in lessening the risk of Mental Health Challenges, Racial, Economic, and Social disparities while having a safe space to become empowered and liberated! Registration is free. This event will take place virtually and in person.
Gulfport Juneteenth Celebration
City of Dunedin Parks and Recreation
June 17 │10am – 3pm │ 5500 Shore Blvd. S. (Gulfport Casino Ballroom)
The Kiwanis Club of Gulfport invites teens, youth and families to Celebrate JuneTEENth at Gulfport's 3rd annual Juneteenth event. Join us for music, games, local vendors and nonprofits, food, fun and fellowship!
Learn
On June 19, 1865, the last group of enslaved African-Americans in the United States were informed of their freedom. Their freedom came two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863. (Public Broadcasting Company, 2022) (Duration 3:26)
The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth
The National Museum of African American History and Culture│The Smithsonian
The historical legacy of Juneteenth shows the value of never giving up hope in uncertain times
The Journey to Liberation
Journey to Emancipation: the Germantown Protest, 1688
National Museum of American History │The Smithsonian
Explore the context and journey to the Emancipation Proclamation beyond the lens of the Civil War
The Emancipation Proclamation: Striking a Mighty Blow to Slavery
The National Museum of African American History and Culture│The Smithsonian
2023 marks the 200th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation
1863 to 1963: From Emancipation Proclamation to the March on Washington
National Museum of American History │The Smithsonian
Explore the links between the Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington despite their one-hundred-year separation
Pioneers and Advocates
Dred Scott v. John Sanford
The National Museum of African American History and Culture│The Smithsonian
It was the culmination of ten years of court battles — Dred Scott's fight to live and be recognized as a free man
To Freedom: Voices of the Formerly Enslaved
The National Museum of African American History and Culture│The Smithsonian
After enslavement, African Americans acted on visions of freedom in their everyday lives. Explore more than 2,300 first-person accounts of slavery and 500 black-and-white photographs of former enslaved African Americans
Diversify your Bookshelf
Juneteenth Reading List
The National Museum of African American History and Culture│The Smithsonian
Discover more about the history of Juneteenth and African American cultural traditions with a summer reading list
Engage
Juneteenth Digital Collection
The National Museum of African American History and Culture│The Smithsonian
Dive into this collection dedicated to the reconstruction period, civil rights, and retaliation that occurred after slavery was abolished
Juneteenth Playlist
The National Museum of African American History and Culture│The Smithsonian
Listen to this curated playlist created by historians at the Smithsonian that highlights songs that speak to themes of family, freedom, joy, and resilience
Juneteenth: Dishes to Taste and Savor: Recipes from the Sweet Home Café Cookbook
Learn how you can design and cook a delicious Juneteenth Day menu for family and friends. (The Smithsonian, 2022) (Duration 35:41)
Other Resources
The Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum in St. Petersburg, FL