Juneteenth is a holiday that celebrates the emancipation of slaves in the United States. It’s an important time to recognize and commemorate African American history and culture, so it’s no surprise that there have been many documentaries produced about Juneteenth over the years. Here are some of the best documentaries about Juneteenth to help you understand this important moment in history
1. Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom
Through the Our Daily Bread Voices Collection and Our Daily Bread Media, experience a spiritual journey into the deep meaning of Juneteenth. Discover why this federal holiday is more than just a commemoration of emancipation – it’s also an inspiring celebration of faith, freedom, and justice in America! Follow pastor Rasool Berry as he takes you to the church where America’s first Juneteenth celebration took place and learn how the Scripture motivated enslaved people. See how newly freed men and women credited God for their liberation, and explore other documentaries in the Our Daily Bread Media collection that celebrate these same values. From stories of faith-based organizations battling poverty to understanding the impact of the civil rights movement, you’ll find a unique perspective on some of our nation’s most defining moments. By highlighting people of faith who have worked to make a difference, Our Daily Bread Media offers inspiring stories that empower and motivate viewers to create positive change. Join us for this remarkable journey into the spiritual significance of Juneteenth and how it has impacted our country’s faith.
2. Juneteenth 1865-2022: The Pursuit of Economic Equality
Len Cannon and Mia Gradney note the lasting financial implications of Juneteenth for Black Americans, including a stark disparity in net worth when compared to their white counterparts. The current economic landscape, full of barriers to access and opportunity, is an impediment to wealth-building and upward mobility. This systemic inequality is further exacerbated by a persistent wage gap between white and African American workers. The celebration of Juneteenth is important, however it does not provide a meaningful solution to the financial disparities that continue to plague the African American community. No matter how much progress has been made in other areas of equality and justice, we must remember that there is still more work to be done when it comes to economic freedom and security for Black Americans.
3.Juneteenth 2023: The Freedom to Learn
The lack of education resources for the Black community has been a long-standing issue, and unfortunately it is still felt today. According to a 2023 State of Higher Education study by Lumina Foundation and Gallup, only 35% of Black Americans have achieved an associate degree or higher. Additionally, enrollment rates among Black students has dropped in the last decade too. As a result, many people of all races have decided to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), which has allowed them to follow in the footsteps of their ancestors while also providing much-needed exposure for these campuses. Despite this, there is still much work to be done in order to ensure that the educational opportunities available to the Black community are equitably distributed. To that end, organizations such as the HBCU Alliance are actively working on initiatives and programs to ensure that more Black Americans have access to higher education. The organization is focused on advocating for HBCUs in Congress, providing resources such as scholarships and mentorship, and connecting students with career opportunities. With this type of support available, it’s hoped that the educational disparities among Black Americans can start to be addressed.
4.Juneteenth: A Celebration
Celebrate Juneteenth this year with an unforgettable evening of music, dance and spoken word performances. Join us in the Quad Cities to experience a first-rate performance from Charlotte Boyer (The Voice), Kira Rangel (Beehive: A 60’s Musical at Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse) and members of various casts from the musical “Hamilton.” Our evening of entertainment will be complimented by the Pink Dynamic Dolls of Moline and archival performances from The Westbrook Singers. Food trucks, including Mac Daddy’s BBQ & Catering, Gyro House Mobile Food Truck Ya’s Concessions LLC and more, will also be on-site to provide delicious snacks while you enjoy the show. Juneteenth is an opportunity to come together as a community and reflect on the progress we have made in civil rights. To help provide historical context, the event will feature panel discussions with local African American leaders and activists sharing their insights about civil rights in the Quad Cities area.
5.Juneteenth becomes a national holiday
Last Thursday, President Joe Biden made history by signing the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. This Act officially recognizes June 19th – the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas and enforced the emancipation of African American slaves – as a federal holiday. This is an important step for civil rights in our country, highlighting how far we have come since 1865. But it’s also important to remember that the journey is far from over. Despite slavery being abolished over 150 years ago, African Americans still face systemic racism and inequality every day of their lives. Juneteenth is an opportunity for us to reflect on this progress, as well as a reminder of the work yet to be done in order to truly bring equality and justice to our communities. Let us use this holiday to recommit ourselves to the fight against racism and injustice in America. Together, we can make a difference.
6.Why Do We Celebrate Juneteenth
For many, Juneteenth has been an emancipation celebration cherished for generations. This important holiday commemorates the announcement of General Order No. 3 on June 19th 1865 and marks the day when every enslaved person in the United States finally knew that they were free from slavery and its oppressive institution came to an end. To honor this momentous occasion, Columbia University will be observing this day with its second celebration of Juneteenth. This year, Columbia’s mini-documentary delves into the history and personal stories of Juneteenth, told through the unique voices of our students, faculty, and staff. These passionate individuals have shared their experiences to educate others about a holiday that is becoming increasingly more popular in cities around the world – especially in the southern United States and Texas.
7.Juneteenth – A Short Film
Juneteenth is a special holiday that many African Americans celebrate with their families. Celebrating the end of slavery, it’s become a beloved family tradition for generations. People will often come together to have cookouts, host parades and play traditional games such as double Dutch jump rope or hopscotch. Baseball also has its own historical ties to Juneteenth, so this can also be a popular choice for family fun. It’s important to remember that Juneteenth is more than just a day of celebration; it’s an opportunity to honor the struggle and sacrifices African Americans made in the fight against slavery. It serves as a reminder that there is still work to be done, and that every person can play a role in making the world a better place.
8.President Biden signs the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law
This is a momentous occasion for the United States – Joe Biden has signed a bill establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. This recognition of the end of slavery in America is long overdue, and serves to remind us of how far our nation still needs to go before true equality is achieved. Let us honor those who have come before us and their contributions, and use this holiday as a beacon of hope for the future. We can take comfort in knowing that our country is heading ever closer to justice and equal rights for all. Juneteenth provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the resilience of African Americans throughout U.S. history and acknowledge the progress we have made so far. Let’s use this as a chance to come together and make sure we keep fighting for equality. On this day, let’s be reminded of the power of coming together to create a better future. This is an important celebration, but it’s also an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s history, as well as its present and future. Let Juneteenth serve as a reminder that although progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. Let’s use this holiday not only as a time of joy and celebration, but also as a reminder of our responsibility to continue advancing the cause of justice and equality for all people in America.
9.History of Juneteenth
This Wednesday, June 19th, come join Dr. Shennette Garrett-Scott to celebrate the history of Juneteenth at Allen Public Library! Learn about how this day has gone from a celebration for freedmen in the late nineteenth century to a holiday that is now celebrated nationwide. We’ll explore how African American communities observe it today and the impact that Juneteenth has on our culture in the United States. There’s no better way to get an understanding of Juneteenth than by attending this informative and interactive presentation event.
10.Juneteenth- The New Juneteenth documentary
Check out the first Juneteenth documentary released 10 years to when the federal holiday was established! This original project set in motion a whole new perspective around Juneteenth and its significance. We can only imagine where it will be five years from now! In winter 2022, look forward to The New Juneteenth 2.0 which promises to be even bigger and better than before. Through the documentary, viewers will have a deeper understanding of the holiday and its ever-changing place in our society. Let’s come together to learn more about Juneteenth and recognize it not only as an important date that marks the end of slavery but also a source of hope for all generations! We must be mindful to remember our past so we can look towards a brighter future. The documentary will serve to remind us of the importance of its existence and inspire us to create positive change. Celebrate Juneteenth today and for many years to come! By doing so, we can come together to recognize its impact on our lives and strive towards equality for all. Let’s use this day as an opportunity to reflect, learn, and move forward towards a better tomorrow. Juneteenth has come to symbolize more than just the end of slavery: it stands for freedom, hope, and progress.
