Written by Dr. Ashli Dees, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Culture Director, Downtown Main Library
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally-celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery of over three million people living in the former Confederate States. In 1866 the first official Juneteenth celebration took place in Texas. Now, across the country, we spend the holiday honoring African American freedom and highlighting education and achievement.
First Day of Freedom
Gather the family as Miss Corrie, Library Customer Adviser at the Mariemont Branch, reads "All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom" by Angela Johnson, illustrated by E. B. Lewis.
A Day of Celebration
CHPL is participating in the weekend-long Cincinnati Juneteenth Festival with storytimes, button making, giveaways, and more!
Look for us at Eden Park on June 18. Library staff will host a live storytime, and you can make your own free button to keep. Our staff will also have great information and resources for all ages to share and bring home!
Join the entire city of Cincinnati as we gather for the Juneteenth Parade on June 20. Staff from our West End Branch Library will have a table on the parade route where you can sign up for a library card and get even more fantastic information and library goodies.
Find more details about the 35th Annual Juneteenth Festival on the Cincinnati Juneteenth website, opens a new window.
Join the Jubilee
Here are even more ways that you can join in the celebration:
- Support a black-owned business, opens a new window.
- Write a letter of inquiry or request for social justice action to your local elected official.
- Volunteer or donate to a nonprofit organization whose mission is to eradicate social justice issues.
- Commit 30-60 minutes of your time to reading, writing, and listening on the topic of social justice including these picks from CHPL staff:
How do you plan to celebrate Juneteenth? Let us know in the comments below!
Add a comment to: Join in the Jubilee of Juneteenth National Independence Day