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Celebrating Juneteenth: Honoring Freedom, Resilience, and Black Voices
- coalvalleylibrary
- Jun 15
- 4 min read
At the Coal Valley Public Library, we believe in celebrating the richness of American history in all its complexity—and that includes honoring Juneteenth, a day that marks the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates African American freedom, resilience, and cultural contributions.
What Is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth—short for “June Nineteenth”—commemorates the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans that they were free—over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued. This delayed liberation became a symbol of the long struggle for true freedom and equality in America. Juneteenth is now a federal holiday and a powerful reminder of the enduring fight for justice, recognition, and civil rights.
Celebrated with music, food, family gatherings, storytelling, and community events, Juneteenth is more than a historical marker—it’s a celebration of Black joy, heritage, and strength. For libraries, it's an opportunity to reflect, uplift, and educate.
Celebrate with Stories: Recommended Reads for All Ages
Books are powerful tools to understand history, develop empathy, and appreciate different perspectives. Here are some titles for every age group that help illuminate the spirit of Juneteenth and honor Black voices and stories.
Picture Books
Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper
Mazie is ready to celebrate freedom. Her father tells her about the struggles and triumphs of their ancestors, helping her understand the importance of Juneteenth in a story rich with heart and history.
All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom by Angela Johnson, illustrated by E. B. Lewis
Told from the perspective of a young girl in Texas, this beautifully illustrated book captures the emotional impact of hearing the news of freedom for the first time.
Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free by Alice Faye Duncan
This story follows activist Opal Lee’s lifelong mission to make Juneteenth a national holiday, reminding us that freedom isn’t given—it’s fought for.
Middle Grade
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford
Though not specifically about Juneteenth, this powerful nonfiction picture book for older readers sheds light on a critical, often overlooked moment in Black history.
The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson
This mystery intertwines past and present as two kids uncover long-buried secrets about racism and injustice in their Southern town, sparking meaningful conversations about legacy and change.
How High the Moon by Karyn Parsons
Set in the Jim Crow South, this novel offers a deeply moving portrait of a young girl discovering her identity, family roots, and the power of truth.
Teens
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
This remix of Kendi’s groundbreaking work is engaging, fast-paced, and essential reading for understanding the history of racism and how we can build a better future.
The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed
Set during the 1992 L.A. riots, this novel explores the intersections of race, privilege, and identity through the eyes of a wealthy Black teenager navigating a world that suddenly feels unfamiliar.
This Is My America by Kim Johnson
A gripping contemporary thriller about injustice and mass incarceration, this book is both a page-turner and a call to action.
Adults
On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed
Part memoir, part historical analysis, this powerful book from a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian explores the legacy of Juneteenth through a deeply personal lens.
Four Hundred Souls edited by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain
Ninety writers come together to tell the 400-year history of African Americans, from 1619 to the present. A monumental and moving anthology.
The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
This sweeping narrative history chronicles the Great Migration through the lives of three individuals, capturing the resilience and determination of those who sought freedom and opportunity.
Reflect, Celebrate, and Learn Together
We invite you to celebrate Juneteenth by learning something new, having meaningful conversations, and reading stories that illuminate the past while inspiring a better future. Whether you're picking up a children's book to share with your family or diving into a powerful adult nonfiction title, the library is here to help you explore the stories that matter.
Visit the Coal Valley Public Library to check out these titles and more from our curated Juneteenth display.
Together, let’s honor freedom and amplify the voices that make America’s story whole.
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