Juneteenth: How to Celebrate and Educate

1. Find a Local Event for Juneteenth

For decades, Juneteenth has featured community events boasting in good food, music, rodeos and prayer services.  Join in on the fun by finding an event near you.  If you can’t find anything near you, get the party started with a backyard barbecue with your neighbors, friends and family.  

2. Support Black-Owned Businesses

Love shopping? Treat yourself or a friend by shopping at a Black-owned business this Juneteenth. Whether you’re craving a tasty meal, in need of a new outfit or are searching for a special gift, get what you need while supporting your local Black community. You can search online for Black-owned businesses around you. A gift for you is a gift back to the community.

3. Read Books by Black Authors

Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison and Richard Wright are just a few iconic Black authors and poets with inspiring work. If you’re in search of your next read or want to brush up on your history, grab a book by a Black author. From powerful poetry to eye-opening memoirs, the written word is a great way to educate yourself and others on Black history. 

4. Watch Black TV Shows and Movies

While books help to educate, TV shows and movies can bring words to life and give us a glimpse at history. There are many shows and movies dedicated to portraying this historical holiday. Use your Cox Contour voice remote for shows like Black-ish and Atlanta, which have episodes honoring Juneteenth. Or look for dedicated programming, like PBS docuseries Juneteenth Jamboree for an insightful look at the cultural meaning behind this day. 

5. Donate

What better way to support Black lives than to give back? There are several charities and organizations fighting to support the Black community every day, such as The King Center, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and the Mutual Aid Hub. You can use this day to make a difference, whether by giving a donation or lending your voice to a petition or cause that you support.

6. Register to Vote

One of the first actions to take place after the last enslaved people were freed was getting them registered to vote. You can celebrate your freedom and the right to vote by doing the same this Juneteenth. Vote at a local, state and county levels to support your local community. If you’re already registered, help others get registered as well by educating them on the importance of voting.

7. Commemorate Juneteenth Becoming a National Holiday

Texas became the first state to officially make Juneteenth a holiday in 1979. In 2021 Juneteenth has finally become a national holiday. To mark the occasion, share the news with your nearest and dearest and invite them to join you in an activity on this list.