In 2021, the U.S. Senate approved a bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Four years later, in 2025, the state of Alabama followed suit and made Juneteenth a state holiday, as well If you want to learn more about this holiday or are looking for a way to celebrate Juneteenth in Birmingham, keep reading!
Let’s talk about it, shall we?
The federal holiday Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19th each year. That is the day in 1865 when slaves in Galveston, Texas learned that they had been granted freedom.
The celebration of Juneteenth should be inclusive, educational, and empowering for all. The Black culture has contributed so much to the U.S. through our music, food, and other successes, and Juneteenth will be a demonstration of that. As the U.S. is still making strides toward racial justice and equality, Juneteenth will be a beautiful day.
So now I bet you’re wondering how to celebrate Juneteenth. As always, I have a list for you! I encourage you to do as much on this list as possible to understand the significance of this celebration. While we are not all the same race or ethnicity, we can all learn and love our neighbors, right?
1. Learn About the History of Juneteenth
There are books and websites (such as here and here) about the history of Juneteenth and its origin. This is a significant event in U.S. history, and facts are important. This is also a great teachable moment for children. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get informed. If you need help finding good books about this topic, be sure to ask your local librarian!
2. Support Black Businesses
There are so many Black businesses that have products that benefit everyone in the community. From skin care to clothes, Birmingham’s Black business owners have so much to offer!
3. Find a Juneteenth Celebration and Have Fun!
- The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, along with the National Park Service and Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, will be part of a Juneteenth Jubilee from 10:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. across the Birmingham Civil Rights District. You can find the schedule of events here.
- Rickwood Field will be hosting a home run derby and the MLB East-West Classic at noon.
- The Official National Juneteenth of Alabama Commemoration will be held at Kelly Ingram Park, with various events scheduled from 9:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m., including a parade.
- The first Juneteenth Family Fun Celebration will be held at Warehouse 1701 in Ensley from 3:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.
- Sidewalk Film will have special free screenings of Selma at 2:00 & 7:00 and John Lewis: Good Trouble at 4:45 & 9:45.
