How Do You Celebrate Juneteenth? Ways to Honor Freedom and Culture

Juneteenth isn’t just a date—it’s a declaration. Celebrated every June 19, this holiday marks the true end of slavery in the United States. But how do you celebrate Juneteenth in a way that’s meaningful, joyful, and respectful? Whether you're new to the holiday or looking for fresh ideas, this guide offers thoughtful, fun, and community-centered ways to recognize the day.

 

What Is Juneteenth and Why Does It Matter?

The History Behind Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the freedom of enslaved Black Americans—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It became a federal holiday in 2021, but Black communities have honored it for over 150 years.

A Celebration of Freedom and Resilience

More than a historical milestone, Juneteenth is about joy, remembrance, and resistance. It’s a time to reflect on freedom gained, struggles endured, and progress still needed.

 

How Do You Celebrate Juneteenth?

Join or Host a Community Event

Many cities host Juneteenth festivals, parades, or commemorative ceremonies. These events often include music, art, food, and speakers. Can’t find one nearby? Host your own gathering in a local park or community center.

Tips for Hosting Your Own Celebration

• Invite local Black-owned vendors or artists
  
  
• Include educational elements like historical displays
  
  
• Encourage open dialogue or storytelling
  
  

Support Black-Owned Businesses

One powerful way to celebrate Juneteenth is through economic support. Spend intentionally on books, beauty products, restaurants, or clothing brands run by Black entrepreneurs.

Learn Black History All Year Long

Juneteenth is the perfect time to dive deeper into Black history. Watch a documentary, visit a museum, or read a book by a Black author.

Educational Ideas for Juneteenth

• Create a book list for your friend group or family
  
  
• Watch films like 13th, Selma, or Summer of Soul
  
  
• Listen to podcasts centered on racial justice
  
  

Cook and Share a Juneteenth Meal

Food is a huge part of Juneteenth traditions. Barbecue, red drinks, and red desserts (symbolizing resilience and strength) are often staples of the celebration.

Popular Juneteenth Foods

• Barbecued ribs and chicken
  
  
• Red velvet cake or strawberry pie
  
  
• Hibiscus or strawberry soda
  
  

Make It a Day of Service

Use Juneteenth as an opportunity to give back. Volunteer at local nonprofits, participate in a cleanup event, or donate to causes that support racial equity.

 

Creative and Reflective Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth

Host a Juneteenth Game Night or Trivia

Play games that inspire conversation and laughter. Include trivia questions about Black history or culturally themed games like the Pick Me Up Party Game, which can kick off meaningful and lighthearted conversations.

Create Art or Write Poetry

Encourage your community to share their stories through visual art or spoken word. Host an open mic night or showcase a virtual gallery.

Plant Something Meaningful

Plant a tree or a flower in honor of the ancestors. This small, symbolic act represents growth and ongoing liberation.

 

Juneteenth Celebration Ideas for Families and Kids

Read Together

Choose children’s books that center on Juneteenth or Black history, such as:

• Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper
  
  
• All Different Now by Angela Johnson
  
  

Craft Red-Themed Art Projects

Let kids create with red paint, paper, or beads to explore the symbolism behind the color.

Watch Kid-Friendly Educational Content

Many online platforms offer short videos that teach about Juneteenth in an engaging and age-appropriate way.

 

Virtual and Social Media Juneteenth Ideas

Share Stories or Artwork Online

Highlight Black voices and creators on your feed. Post quotes, poems, or your own reflections on what Juneteenth means to you.

Attend Online Panels or Webinars

Can’t attend in person? Tune in to virtual events hosted by universities, nonprofits, or influencers doing work in racial justice.

 

What Not to Do on Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a celebration—but it’s not just a party. Avoid commercialization or performative allyship. Don’t co-opt the moment; uplift it by centering Black voices and perspectives. Here are some authors and historians to start with:

1. Ibram X. Kendi – Historian and author of How to Be an Antiracist and Stamped from the Beginning. His work provides a deep dive into the roots of systemic racism and pathways toward equity.
2. Clint Smith – Poet and author of How the Word Is Passed, a powerful book exploring how different historical sites tell the story of slavery in America.
3. Nikole Hannah-Jones – Journalist and creator of The 1619 Project, which reframes U.S. history around the consequences of slavery and Black contributions.
4. Dr. Daina Ramey Berry – Historian and author who focuses on the lives and value systems of enslaved people, particularly through works like A Black Women’s History of the United States (co-authored with Kali Nicole Gross).
5. Bell Hooks – Though she passed in 2021, her work lives on. Her books on race, gender, love, and justice remain foundational.

Celebrate With Purpose and Joy

Juneteenth is a day to honor liberation—with joy, reflection, action, and community. Whether you’re hosting a cookout, supporting Black-owned brands, or teaching your kids about history, what matters most is your intention.

Celebrate Juneteenth With Heart and Meaning

Celebrating Juneteenth isn’t about doing it perfectly. It’s about showing up—with respect, awareness, and a willingness to grow. Choose at least one way to participate this year, and invite your circle to do the same. Together, we move the celebration—and the conversation—forward.

 

FAQs About Celebrating Juneteenth

1. What colors are associated with Juneteenth?
   Red, black, and green are often used, though red specifically represents resilience and is commonly seen in food and decorations.
2. Is it okay to celebrate Juneteenth if I’m not Black?
   Yes—if it’s done with respect. Focus on learning, supporting, and amplifying Black voices and culture.
3. What’s a good greeting on Juneteenth?
   A simple “Happy Juneteenth!” or “Celebrating freedom with you” is always welcome.
4. Can I throw a party for Juneteenth?
   Absolutely—just keep the tone respectful. Include educational elements, support Black-owned businesses, and make space for community connection.
5. How can workplaces celebrate Juneteenth?
   Encourage education, host discussions, partner with Black-led organizations, and offer paid time off for observance and participation.