Juneteenth: A Day of Truth, Memory, and Movement
- Apollo Imperium
- Jun 19
- 4 min read
There are certain dates that mean a bit more than others. Juneteenth is one of those days. It’s a holiday that, for a long time, lived in the hearts and homes of Black Americans but didn’t get much spotlight elsewhere. That’s finally starting to change.
I’ve always been fascinated by how we remember things. What we choose to celebrate says a lot about who we are and who we want to be. For a long time, Juneteenth wasn't a federal holiday like it is now. I'd say that this speaks volumes on how some people would rather choose to forget, and some keep fighting until the memories are acknowledged as real. Juneteenth means delayed justice, survival, resistance, and the power of memory. And now that it's getting wider recognition, we’ve got the chance to learn from it in a way that’s real, not just symbolic.
Let’s walk through what Juneteenth actually is, why it matters, how we can honor it meaningfully, and where you can go to keep learning after June 19 passes.
The History: What Happened on June 19, 1865?
Juneteenth is short for June Nineteenth. That’s the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that all enslaved people were now free. This was more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. So yes, people were still enslaved even after slavery was technically abolished. That lag in freedom speaks volumes. Some slaveholders had purposely withheld the news, and there was no system in place to enforce liberation right away. When the message finally arrived in Texas, it marked the end of slavery in the last Confederate state. For many, that was the real moment of freedom.
The first Juneteenth celebrations began the following year, in 1866, as community gatherings with music, food, prayer, and reflection. Over the decades, those celebrations grew into a cultural tradition. Still, it wasn't until 2021 that Juneteenth became a federal holiday. That recognition came after years of advocacy and a wave of renewed attention following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Even though it took over 150 years, the acknowledgment came with deeper questions about justice, equity, and what true freedom actually means.
Why Juneteenth Matters So Much
Juneteenth is a reminder that freedom in America has never come all at once. It came in waves, often late, and often only after people fought for it. Juneteenth asks us to look at those delayed freedoms and think about who is still waiting.
For a long time, American history was told in a way that skipped over hard truths. "It's already happened, no need to dwell on the past," or "kids shouldn't learn about such gruesome things". And, notably, American history was usually not told by black Americans. Juneteenth re-centers the voices and experiences of Black Americans. It creates space for celebration and joy, but also for grief and honesty. It reminds us that remembering is an act of power.
So how can we show up on Juneteenth in a way that matters? Celebration is one way. If there’s a local Juneteenth event in your area, go. Support it. Learn something. If you're not Black, listen before you speak. Make space. If you're working that day or can't get to an event, there are still ways to mark it. Read up on Black history. Donate to mutual aid groups or Black-led organizations. Support Black artists and businesses.
Where to Start: Resources to Learn More
If you’re feeling fired up or just curious, that’s good. Keep that momentum going. Juneteenth is an invitation to keep learning. Here are a few places to start:
Books
On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed
The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
Four Hundred Souls edited by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
Podcasts
"1619" by The New York Times
"Throughline" by NPR (especially their episodes on race and American history)
"Code Switch" by NPR
Documentaries and Films
High on the Hog (Netflix)
13th by Ava DuVernay
Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America
Organizations to Support
The Equal Justice Initiative
Black Voters Matter
NAACP Legal Defense Fund
The Loveland Foundation
These are just a few ways to dig deeper, but the most important thing is to stay curious and open. Ask questions. Seek out stories you didn’t learn in school. We need to grow up as a society if we want to make the world a better, more just place. It may seem like things are going backwards these days, and in many ways they are. That's why it's important now more than ever to build community. We need to be there for each other.
Final Thoughts
Juneteenth is heavy. And it’s beautiful. It carries the weight of a long, brutal history, but it also holds joy, love, survival, and a vision for what could be. It reminds us that freedom is not a one-time event. It’s something we have to keep building, together. You don’t have to be perfect to be part of this. You just have to care. Show up. Listen. Learn. Reflect. And when you can, act. Because the work doesn’t end when the day is over.
Explore captivating literary worlds within the pages of our thoughtfully curated books. Apollo Libraries, a proud subsidiary of Apollo Imperium, is committed to delivering literary excellence that ignites imagination and nurtures knowledge. Our extensive collection spans diverse genres, encompassing both timeless classics and contemporary masterpieces, all meticulously crafted with a dedication to the art of storytelling. We also proudly present "Neuroasis", a meditation, science and neurology based mental health branch; many artists; home decor and art & design; music & more.
Work with us
Review our books
If you're interested in becoming a reviewer, contact us at info@apolloimperium.com with the subject REVIEW. If we think you're a good fit for us, you will receive the books you wish to review for free, either as an EBook or a physical copy for you to keep, depending on the book. In case of a physical copy, we will cover shipping costs, too.
Mention where you're active (bookstagram, goodreads etc) and your account, where you're from (country suffices), why you enjoy reading and which books or genres you like most.
Contact Us
For inquiries, collaboration opportunities, or any assistance, please don't hesitate to get in touch:
Email: info@apolloimperium.com
Comments