STG resource guide: Juneteenth
As part of its commitment to promoting cultural diversity and social justice, Seattle Theatre Group (STG) recognizes the significance of Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth has deep roots in African American history and is an important opportunity for all Americans to reflect on our country's legacy of slavery and ongoing struggle for racial justice. Join us in exploring the curated list of informational resources below to learn about the importance and continual relevance of Juneteenth.
Educational materials:
About Juneteenth:
- What is Juneteenth? - This article from History.com provides an overview of Juneteenth and its historical significance.
- Juneteenth National Independence Day Act - This page from the Library of Congress provides information on the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which made Juneteenth a federal holiday in the United States.
- Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom - This resource from the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture provides a history of Juneteenth, along with information on how it is celebrated today.
- The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth - This article from the National Museum of African American History and Culture provides a detailed history of Juneteenth and its significance to the African American community.
- Juneteenth: Our Other Independence Day - This article from CNN discusses the importance of Juneteenth as a celebration of freedom and the ongoing struggle for racial justice in the United States.
Books:
- Juneteenth: A Novel by Ralph Ellison - This novel tells the story of a white senator who is haunted by the memory of a black musician he once betrayed. It explores themes of race, identity, and the legacy of slavery.
- On Juneteenth, by Annette Gordon-Reed - This memoir/history book examines the history and significance of Juneteenth, as well as the author's own family history in Texas.
- Juneteenth Texas: Essays in African-American Folklore, by Francis Edward Abernethy - This collection of essays explores the folklore and cultural traditions of African Americans in Texas, including the celebration of Juneteenth.
- All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom, by Angela Johnson - This children's book tells the story of Juneteenth through the eyes of a young girl who is experiencing freedom for the first time.
- The Emancipation Proclamation: Lincoln and the Dawn of Liberty, by Tonya Bolden - This nonfiction book provides a historical overview of the Emancipation Proclamation and its impact on the abolition of slavery, including the role of Juneteenth in the broader struggle for freedom.
- Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom, by Charles A. Taylor - This nonfiction book explores the history and significance of Juneteenth, including its cultural traditions and contemporary celebrations.
Podcasts:
- The History Of Juneteenth : Fresh Air : NPR
- About this Collection | Voices Remembering Slavery: Freed People Tell Their Stories | Digital Collections | Library of Congress (loc.gov)
- Juneteenth Podcasts | iHeart
Videos:
- Why all Americans should honor Juneteenth - YouTube
- This Is Why Juneteenth Is Important for America - YouTube
For Kids:
For a more comprehensive list, visit Parent Map
Community events:
- Elevate - Education & Community Engagement (stgpresents.org)
- "The Songs of Black Folk: Music of Resistance & Hope" at McCaw Hall
- The Juneteenth Jamboree - This website provides information about events and celebrations taking place around the country in honor of Juneteenth.
- Free Juneteenth celebration in Kent - Greater Seattle on the Cheap
- Free Juneteenth celebration in Rainier Beach - Greater Seattle on the Cheap
- Juneteenth Lituation — Pacific Northwest Black Pride (nwblackpride.org)
- Black Business Market Juneteenth Celebration - Waterfront Market at Ruston
- NAAM | Juneteenth Week Review (naamnw.org)
- Juneteenth | SCBHC – Everett, WA (scbhcwa.org)
