Saturday, June 19th, the United States commemorates Juneteenth. On this day, in 1865, two whole years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by President Abraham Linocoln, soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, where slavery was still being practiced. The soldiers helped to finally free those still enslaved and now this date is remembered each year as Juneteenth.
SoStereo feels incredibly passionate about respecting Juneteenth, and as soon the bill was passed by the Senate on June 15th acknowledging it as a federal holiday, we immediately honored this by giving our employees the day off. SoStereo will be recognizing Juneteenth, its historical, and cultural significance by taking this time to observe the holiday.
Here are some real ways you can get involved now:
Educate Yourself
Learn the history of Juneteenth and of the African American experience beyond what you’re seeing this week on social media.
Read
Juneteenth by Ralph Ellison
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
Watch
History of Juneteenth – Youtube
Juneteenth: Together We Triumph – Hulu (premiering Friday)
13th – Netflix
Listen
History of Juneteenth – NPR
Louder than a Riot – Sidney Madden and Rodney Carmichael
NATAL – Gabrielle Horton and Martina Abraham
Support Black-Owned Businesses
Look local! There are so many options you might now know are there, only a quick Google search away. For example, many food delivery services such as Doordash and Postmates even have easy-to-find lists of Black-owned restaurants you can order from the comfort of your own home.
Participate in Events
There are virtual and in-person events happening all weekend long all across the country. Check Facebook for events near you such as parades, festivals, concerts, and other gatherings.
If you’re in LA…
Silent Party Los Angeles 90s VS Now “R&B WARS” (Juneteenth Edition)
Presented by Millenium Age
Date and time
Sat, Jun 19, 2021, 9:30 PM –
Sun, Jun 20, 2021, 2:00 AM PDT
Location
Club Bahia- OutDoor Patio
1130 Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90012
If you’re in Miami…
Black Is The New Black Stand-Up Comedy Show (Juneteenth Edition)
Presented by Villain Theater Inc.
Date and time
Sat, June 19, 2021
8:30 PM – 10:00 PM EDT
Location
Villain Theater
5865 Northeast 2nd Avenue
Miami, FL 33137
If you’re in NYC…
Juneteenth Festival
Presented by Feed My Sheep Street Ministry Inc.
Date and time
Sat, June 19, 2021
12:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT
Location
Saint Albans Park
169 St. Merrick Blvd
Btw Merrick and Sayers ave
Queens, NY 11433
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While masks and distancing regulations melt away and the world starts to feel normal again, let’s be active, get involved, be present, and take time to honor Juneteenth with the respect and attention it deserves.
