One Anti-Racist Action You Can Take Today: Plan How You Will Celebrate Juneteenth

Guimel DeCarvalho

Vice President of People & Culture

Juneteenth commemorates the day the last enslaved people in America learned of their emancipation in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865. Last year Wayside made Juneteenth an official agency holiday. This year, because Juneteenth is on a Friday, we will close the agency on Friday in observance of Juneteenth.

As this New York Time article asks, “What exactly does a Juneteenth celebration look like? For some, it’s eating barbecue, shooting fireworks, gathering at a cookout, and sipping on red drinks, a tradition that symbolizes perseverance and honors the blood that was shed of African Americans. For others, it’s shopping only at black-owned businesses, sharing history, or resting at home. This year, some will gather online for live video chats, which has become a norm in the new coronavirus pandemic.”

While some already have their own traditions to celebrate and honor this day, others have to create their own. When making your plans, first review Dr. Kenneth Hardy’s tasks of the privileged and the tasks of the subjugated. It is okay for white people and non-Black people to participate while making sure not to cause more harm through microaggressions or cultural appropriation. The below links outline events to attend, things to learn, traditions for the day, ways to celebrate with kids, and like all great holidays – food.

Framingham State University: Juneteenth

10 Things We Want White People To Do To Celebrate Juneteenth

Very Well Family: How to Celebrate Juneteenth as a Family