Juneteenth - (Traditions & Celebrations) by Lisa A Crayton

About the Book

"Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. Across the country, people observe the day with speeches, poetry readings, festivals, picnics, street fairs, and family reunions. It is a day for people to come together and continue working toward equality. Readers will discover how a shared holiday can have multiple traditions and be celebrated in all sorts of ways"--

Book Synopsis

Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. Across the country, people observe the day with speeches, poetry readings, festivals, picnics, street fairs, and family reunions. It is a day for people to come together and continue working toward equality. Readers will discover how a shared holiday can have multiple traditions and be celebrated in all sorts of ways.

Review Quotes

Though somewhat staid, Crayton's introduction to Juneteenth will have a place in many holiday collections. It begins with the idea that the U.S. is a better country because of its racial diversity. Crayton then describes Juneteenth as "a day to celebrate Black Americans" and freedom, providing a quick history of how slavery didn't truly end in the U.S. until June 19, 1865. Many pictures of smiling Black families and individuals are shown watching and participating in parades, family reunions, cookouts, Civil War reenactments, and more, as the text highlights how Black history and culture are integral to Juneteenth celebrations. Connections are also drawn between the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests and the freedom won by all Black Americans on Juneteenth. Part of the Traditions and Celebrations series (9 titles).--Julia Smith "Booklist"