June 19th, or Juneteenth, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It is a day of recognition, restoration and celebration. Signed into law by President Joe Biden, On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act creating this annual federal holiday that honors the enduring legacy of freedom.
The history and significance of this June day goes back 160 years. The National Museum of African American History and Culture offers this: “On June 19, 1865, nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln emancipated enslaved Africans in America, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas with news of freedom. More than 250,000 African Americans embraced freedom by executive decree in what became known as Juneteenth or Freedom Day.” The museum’s website offers many ways to explore the rich history of this Freedom Day from its beginnings through the years of civil rights struggles to the expressions of Freedom Day today. Explore sights, sounds, and cultural expressions on the The National Museum of African American History and Culture’s website.
The Meekins Library offers a range of books and other resources that document Juneteenth, the 20th century Civil Rights Movement and the perseverance and courage of those who believed in and fought for true liberty for all.
The Library is open Tuesday, 10-6; Wednesday 1-7; Thursday 3-6; and Saturday 9-2. Come in and explore the collection. Daria D’Arienzo, Meekins Archivist. #throwbackthursday; #tbt.
Posted to Facebook 6/19/2025
