Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day, and America’s Second Independence Day, is a holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States that is celebrated on June 19th. It marks the date that Union troops freed enslaved people in Galveston, Texas on June 19th, 1865, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862.?

Juneteenth isn’t just another holiday, it’s a day meant for reflection, the celebration of Black freedom and resilience in America, and meaningful civil action and change.?

While every state’s Emancipation Day is different, Juneteenth is celebrated across the country as a symbol of the end of slavery and freedom for Black people in America. If you are looking for ways to thoughtfully participate in this important holiday, here are a few ways you can celebrate Juneteenth this year.

Support Black-Owned Businesses and Organizations

Perhaps one of the most impactful ways you can celebrate Juneteenth is by supporting Black-owned businesses (including queer Black-owned businesses), organizations, creators, and non-profits. Rather than purchasing Juneteenth-themed merchandise from big box stores, use your purchasing power thoughtfully and support Black-owned businesses in your community instead.

“Highlight a Black-owned business that you enjoy or a newer business in your community,” says Darrah Dunn ( DJ Rah D ), founding DJ of WARMTH Culture , a Black & Queer Femme-led music exploration series based in Cincinnati.

Research the Black-owned non-profits in your area and consider making a contribution or setting up a monthly donation, or choose to support a nationally recognized organization like Black Lives Matter . Whatever you decide to do, put some thought into how you can continue to support these businesses and organizations year-round, not just on June 19th.

Participate in Local Juneteenth Events

Take a look at the Juneteenth events that are being hosted in your area and consider attending or supporting them. From block parties to museum exhibitions, rallies, readings, and more, there are plenty of ways to get involved and celebrate Juneteenth alongside your community members.?

For Dunn and the rest of WARMTH Culture, this looks like an all-Black house DJ extravaganza that celebrates the origins of House Music and its significance in Black history and culture. However you choose to participate in local events, make sure that black creators, activists, thought leaders and community members are at the center of the experience.?

Take Time to Learn the History

Juneteenth is a day of celebration and reflection. If you are unfamiliar with the history of Juneteenth, one of the first things you can do this year is take the time to learn the history of the holiday and its significance to the Black community in America.

“Juneteenth should be learned by all those that are committed to liberty and justice…not just in theory, but in practice,” says Chad Dion Lassiter , a national expert in the field of race relations and current Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.

Whether you decide to visit museums with Juneteenth exhibitions, read books on the history of the movement, or watch movies and docuseries on the topic, there are lots of ways to get involved, says Lassiter. If you’re looking for online resources, The National Museum of African American History & Culture hosts a digital Juneteenth celebration throughout the month of June with numerous different articles, videos, interviews, digital exhibits, and more to help you learn more and celebrate this momentous day. 

Attend a Barbecue or Cookout

Food, along with community, play a big role in the celebration of Juneteenth, which has led to cookouts and barbecues being a popular way to celebrate Juneteenth. Red food holds particular significance to Juneteenth, symbolizing power, transition, and sacrifice. Strawberry soda, red velvet cake, watermelon, and red barbecue sauces are all considered traditional Juneteenth foods, along with prosperity foods like collard greens, corn, and sweet potatoes, which are often served as side dishes.

“What is Juneteenth without a cookout? Stop playing and go grab a plate from your cousin's house and do some line dances!” says Dunn.??

Bring Juneteenth Into the Workplace

While Juneteenth has been celebrated for over 150 years, it was only recently recognized as a federal holiday in 2021. What this means for businesses varies widely, but it presents an opportunity for employers and workplaces to show their support and solidarity in meaningful ways. A couple of ideas include giving employees the day off, providing paid volunteer time so employees can participate in community events and rallies the day of, participating in community initiatives, hosting speakers and educators, and supporting Black-owned organizations and non-profits on an ongoing basis.