Juneteenth
Emancipation Day: A celebration of Freedom
June 19 is Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration to commemorate the end of slavery in the US.
Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on January 1, 1863, many African Americans were still being held in bondage for months following emancipation. It was not until Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 that the last enslaved African Americans were declared free by General Order No. 3.
Juneteenth celebrations began in Texas before spreading to neighboring states and eventually growing throughout the nation. Juneteenth became a state holiday in Texas in 1979, and it was first recognized as a federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act.
Celebrating with LA County Library
Juneteenth celebrations range from parades to prayer services, from political rallies to festive barbeque events. LA County Library will honor the holiday with programming throughout June and with resources to help you celebrate. Check out curated booklists and find Juneteenth-themed movies and music as well as other digital resources below.
A C Bilbrew Library has hosted Juneteenth celebrations for over 15 years, including storytelling, art activities, and an opportunity to reflect on the history of Juneteenth. Be sure to check out what they have on tap for this year as well as what our Black Resource Center has planned for the month.
Please see below for more details and registration info for Juneteenth events at your LA County Library.
Featured Events
Juneteenth Storytime
June 16, 2025 at 11:30 am
Virtual
Join us for a special storytime celebrating Juneteenth with stories, fingerplays, rhymes, and songs! Learn all about Juneteenth & why it is celebrated.
Sanguine Hues: Juneteenth Cuisine on Display
June 17, 2025 from 5-7 pm
Virtual
Have you ever wondered why do we eat red foods on Juneteenth? Come learn about the tradition linked to the historical significance of the holiday, the cultural symbolism of the color & some great recipes to add to your Juneteenth celebration menu. Advanced registration suggested. Participants will receive recipe cards.