Today marks the day when slavery officially ended. This was more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation declared slavery unconstitutional. And still today, America grapples with the ramifications of slavery. 

As a white woman, I have wondered what are appropriate ways for me to acknowledge and celebrate this newly federalized holiday. As I reflect on this day, I think the most important thing is to not let it end today. What more do I have to learn? How do I engage with this history now? I do not want to celebrate without committing to the work of learning about slavery and its lasting impacts.

Former President Barack Obama said,

“Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory, or an acceptance of the way things are.  Instead, it’s a celebration of progress.  It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, things do get better.  America can change.”

Here are some wonderful resources for further learning that I would like to highlight:

First Name Basis – Jasmine Bradshaw offers anti-racist education through a blog, podcast, curricula and more

Know Better Do Better – a podcast by Marie Beecham tackling social issues, race and equity. Check out this one about Juneteenth. 

This article by Exponent blogger Spunky delves into the history of slavery in the church and resistance of some people today to change racist names like Dixie. 

Here is an article about Green Flake, an enslaved African-American member of the church. And the movie made about him. 

Nykesha @theantiracismeducator_ made a fantastic post about the do’s and don’ts for white people on Juneteenth. 

And this Instagram post by Britt Hawthorne on 5 things to teach children about Juneteenth