Happy Juneteenth!
Celebrate this federal holiday!
Juneteenth became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. The legislation passed with strong bipartisan support in Congress.
The holiday commemorates June 19, 1865—the day Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed the last remaining enslaved African Americans that they were free, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
While Juneteenth had been celebrated in many Black communities for over 150 years, its recognition as a federal holiday marked a historic step toward honoring the legacy and struggles of African Americans in the United States.
Two of my favorite classical radio stations that I stream live today have superb tributes to performers and composers of African Americans and of African Descent.
Let Freedom Ring: A Musical Celebration of Juneteenth with Lara Downes
To commemorate the Juneteenth holiday, join Lara Downes on Thursday, June 19th at 8PM for Let Freedom Ring: A Musical Celebration of Juneteenth. Then from 9PM to midnight, Lara keeps the celebration going with more music that reflects on freedom and the power of creative expression.
Juneteenth Marathon
WQXR Radio is live streaming all day.
To celebrate 160 years of freedom for Black people in America. WQXR kicked off their sixth annual 24-hour marathon recognizing the contributions of composers and performers of African descent in classical music.
Juneteenth Marathon 2025 | WQXR Special Programming | WQXR
Actions to take:
Donate to or volunteer with organizations focused on racial justice, education, or community support.
Engage in conversations about equity and justice in your workplace, school, or local government.
Read books, watch documentaries, or listen to podcasts about:
The history of Juneteenth
Slavery and emancipation
Contemporary issues around racial justice
Visit a museum or historical site related to African American history.