Juneteenth Resources

In October of 2020 the Diocese of California adopted a resolution to recognize and celebrate Juneteenth as a Diocesan Feast Day and Holiday. (text of the resolution can be found HERE)

A liturgy was approved for congregations to use on that day. It can be found HERE.

For those who would like to know more about what Juneteenth is and what it celebrates, this article by Henry Louis Gates, Jr gives an in-depth answer to the question: What is Juneteenth?

Suggested Videos:

This Washington Post Interview with Naomi Mitchell Carrier, author of Go Down, Old Hannah and CEO of the Texas Center for African American Living History, speaks of the closeness of history as she tells her great-grandmother’s story.

This video from Vox helps make the connection between the history of slavery, emancipation, and the racism within our systems that led to the death of George Floyd and others.

If you’re looking for something longer, possibly to jumpstart a discussion group, this lecture from Dr. Shenette Garrett-Scott traces the history of Juneteenth from it’s inception in the freedmen colonies to the present community events.

Actions You Can Take: (all found in Anti-Racism Daily, a newsletter we recommend subscribing to)

Sign this petition to make Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday. This petition was created in 2019 by Opal Lee, a 93-year-old activist.

Tell your company to make Juneteenth a paid holiday. If your company already has, upload their information here.

Reflect with your family: Who was alive in your family when Juneteenth happened? How many generations ago was that? What part might they have played in emancipation?