On Tuesday, June 15, 2021, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution establishing June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day, a U.S. holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
As the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, Juneteenth stems from Galveston, Texas, in 1865. Juneteenth.com notes, “It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics, and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement, and for planning the future.”
Over the years, the observance of June 19 as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond.
Euclid Public Library will celebrate Juneteenth this year, virtually, with the Cleveland Area Black Storytellers on Friday, June 18, at noon and with local faith leaders to discuss Black Faith Communities: Our Social Justice Role in the Past, Present, and Future on Monday, June 21, at 6:30 PM.
On June 18, The Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers, Inc. will share the stories of our ancestors and Black people throughout the diaspora. These important stories that are told and re-told bring laughter and joy; they entertain and teach; they heal and tell our history.
On Monday, June 21 at 6:30 PM, faith leaders Pastor Kellie Sullivan of New Life Calvary Church, Father Isidore Munishi Chaplain at St. Vincent Charity Hospital, and Assistant Iman G. Ivan Nassar at Masjid Bilal will discuss the book, The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song by Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. These dynamic and inspirational faith leaders will talk about the history of the faith in black communities, their involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, and what they are doing today to address the current social justice issues.
EPL proudly celebrates Juneteenth with programming dedicated to celebrating the history of the day and achievements connected to its history. For more information and to register, visit www.euclidlibrary.org/libcalendar.