Celebrate Juneteenth with These Reads!
June 19, 1865. The day freedom finally reached Texas. Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas by issuing General Order No. 3 in Galveston, announcing that all enslaved people were free and had equal rights. Many people fought tooth and nail for their right to survive and be free, and this day—now known as Juneteenth—marks the end of slavery in Texas and celebrates the strength and spirit of those who endured and overcame.
With this long history, there are many books that capture the voices, struggles, and triumphs of that journey. Use this reading list as your guide to several books that celebrate the life and culture of this part of American history and beyond.
- The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass – This book details Douglass’s life as an enslaved person and his escape from slavery, which were originally omitted from his autobiographies. Come on this journey and learn more about Douglass during and after the Civil War.
- Four Hundred Souls by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain – Through the voices of over 90 writers, Four Hundred Souls brings to life a rich history using various forms, including short stories and historical essays. This anthology captures the experiences of both extraordinary individuals and everyday people between 1619 and 2019.
- On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed – In her retelling of the story of Juneteenth, Annette Gordon-Reed explores the holiday’s origins in Texas and the hardships that soon followed. On Juneteenth tells the story of Texas from the point of view of the enslaved people, with Gordon-Reed being a descendant of one such person.
- Braided Heritage by Jessica B. Harris – “Braided Heritage” is a unique cookbook by Jessica B. Harris that summarizes American history through the lens of culinary traditions. This work aims to celebrate the diverse heritage of the many places she has visited as a culinary historian. It combines her research and historical insights with the stories of others, reflecting on the influences of both Europeans and enslaved Africans throughout American history.
- Juneteenth by Ralph Ellison – In the 1950s, a senator by the name of Adam Sunraider was mortally wounded in an assassination attempt. As he lay at death’s door, Sunraider calls for the old minister Alonzo Hickman to be brought to him on his deathbed. Juneteenth follows the men as they talk about their past in this tale about a man who forgot where he came from, and how he reconnects with his past in his last moments.
- O Freedom!: Afro-American Emancipation Celebrations by William H. Wiggins -This work explores the long history of African-American holidays, including Juneteenth and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. “O Freedom!” highlights the evolution of these celebrations, aiming to bring their historical significance to a broader audience. The author, Wiggins, who won the B.A. Botkin Prize for a First Book in American Folklore, emphasizes the significance of these pivotal days in American history.
- Envisioning Emancipation: Black Americans and the End of Slavery by Deborah Willis and Barbara Krauthamer– Using powerful photographs from the 1850s to the 1930s, this book reveals how emancipation transformed Black Americans’ lives, highlighting their struggles, hopes, and achievements while challenging stereotypes and showing their active role in ending slavery.
- A Black Women’s History of the United States by Daina Ramey Berry, Kali Nicole Gross – This book highlights the vital contributions and diverse experiences of Black women throughout American history. It showcases their resilience and leadership in resisting oppression and shaping the nation, challenging traditional narratives by centering on Black women’s stories from the 1600s to the present day.
- African American Poetry: 250 Years of Struggle & Song edited by Kevin Young – Young compiled 250 poets that cover the wide history of American culture in various forms. This collection brings to life the voices of history, featuring contributions from diverse walks of life—from Melvin B. Tolson to Phillis Wheatley.
- Juneteenth: The Story Behind the Celebration by Edward T. Cotham Jr. – Cotham’s work brings forth the truth of Juneteenth and the history behind it, combining decades of research in an effort to separate misconceptions and myths from reality. His efforts celebrate an important aspect of history and aim to illuminate this remarkable triumph.
This list was compiled by Gemini Ink marketing intern Morgan Moctezuma.
