Juneteenth
Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans on June 19, 1865, following the end of the Civil War. Just in time for 2021's Juneteenth, Congress passed long-discussed legislation making the date a federal holiday — the 12th in U.S. history. President Joe Biden signed the bill into law on June 17. In celebration of the newly official holiday, the Library offers a number of book recommendations, films, and a special event that highlight the history of the Black experience in America.
Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans on June 19, 1865, following the end of the Civil War. This milestone in America's history came to be known as Juneteenth — combining "June" and "Nineteenth" — and is observed annually. In commemoration of the holiday, the Library offers a number of book recommendations, films, and other resources that highlight the history of Black experiences in America.