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Celebrate Juneteenth with Articles, eBooks, & Videos from the Jefferson Libraries

On June 19, 1865, Union troops entered a Texas town and shared the news that over 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free. Although the Civil War had concluded two months prior, and President Lincoln shared the Emancipation Proclamation two years prior, Texans had not received the news that enslaved Black people were now free. 

Emancipation Day celebration, June 19, 1900 held in "East Woods" on East 24th Street in Austin, Texas. Credit: Austin History Center.

Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, is a time to reflect, celebrate, and study the history of Black resilience and achievements. We hope you’ll join us for Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom Through Education & Empowerment on Wednesday, June 19, in Lubert Plaza from 11 am – 1 pm. The event is organized by the Office of Residential Life.

The Jefferson Libraries encourages you to read and watch the resources below to learn more about Juneteenth. Visit the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture for additional resources and an educational toolkit to celebrate Juneteenth. Visit the Jefferson Libraries' catalog website for a filtered search of relevant resources.

Thank you to Dr. Marilisa Navarro, Assistant Professor of African American Studies, for providing and recommending the Jefferson Libraries highlight many of these resources. 

Articles

eBooks

Print Books

Videos