The essential, sweeping story of Juneteenth’s integral importance to American history, as told by a Pulitzer Prize–winning historian and Texas native.

Weaving together American history, dramatic family chronicle, and searing episodes of memoir, Annette Gordon-Reed’s On Juneteenth provides a historian’s view of the country’s long road to Juneteenth, recounting both its origins in Texas and the enormous hardships that African-Americans have endured in the century since, from Reconstruction through Jim Crow and beyond. All too aware of the stories of cowboys, ranchers, and oilmen that have long dominated the lore of the Lone Star State, Gordon-Reed—herself a Texas native and the descendant of enslaved people brought to Texas as early as the 1820s—forges a new and profoundly truthful narrative of her home state, with implications for us all.

A moving picture book about the history of Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas—and the origins of Juneteenth.

When people visit me, they are free—to run, play, gather, and rejoice.

They built me to remember.

On June 19, 1865, the 250,000 enslaved people of Texas learned they were free, ending slavery in the United States. This day was soon to be memorialized with the dedication of a park in Houston. The park was called Emancipation Park, and the day it honored would come to be known as Juneteenth.  

In the voice and memory of the park itself—its fields and pools, its protests and cookouts, and, most of all, its people—the 150-year story of Emancipation Park is brought to life. Through lyrical text and vibrant artwork, Tonya Duncan Ellis and Jenin Mohammed have crafted an ode to the struggle, triumph, courage, and joy of Black America—and the promise of a people to remember.

A lyrical picture book about our newest national holiday, Juneteenth follows the annual celebration in Galveston, Texas—the birthplace of Juneteenth—through the eyes of a child coming to understand their place in Black American history in a story from three Texan creators.

A young Black child experiences the magic of the Juneteenth parade for the first time with their family as they come to understand the purpose of the party that happens every year—and why they celebrate their African American history!

The poetic text includes selected lyrics from “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the unofficial Black National Anthem, and the vibrant art illuminates the beauty of this moment of Black joy celebrated across the nation. This vibrant adventure through the city streets invites young readers to make a joyful noise about freedom for all.

A celebration of Juneteenth for babies and toddlers!

Let's Celebrate Juneteenth Board Book from Mudpuppy is a wonderful introduction to Juneteenth, a federal holiday in the United States on June 19th commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Colorful illustrations show various ways people celebrate the anniversary of freedom for all!

• Celebratory Message – This book introduces young children to this important commemorative holiday and opens the door to understanding that not everyone was or is free.
• Bright and Bold Artwork – Bright and colorful illustrations on 26 pages will make this a happy and rewarding experience for toddlers to experience and understand inclusion.
• Perfect Size - Small 7” x 7” board book is just the size for little hands.
• Great Gift Idea – This board book makes a wonderful gift for birthdays and special occasions all year through.

*ships in 7-10 business days

Introduce little learners to the Juneteenth holiday with this 250-word board book about its origins and traditions.

What are the origins of America’s newest national holiday? With simple, age-appropriate language and colorful illustrations, this little board book introduces children to the events of June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform the people of Texas that all enslaved people were declared free and the Civil War had ended. The book also connects those events to today’s celebrations. Thoroughly researched and historically accurate, The Story of Juneteenth distills a pivotal moment in U.S. history and creates an opportunity for further conversation between parent or caregiver and child.

An intimate look at Juneteenth, this story is a warm exploration of a family and a community. 

Juneteenth is the smell of brisket filling the air. Juneteenth is the sounds of music, dancing, and cheering ringing from the parade outside. It is love. It is prayer. It is friends and relatives coming together to commemorate freedom, hope for tomorrow, and one another.

This book is an ode to the history of the Black community in the United States, a tribute to Black joy, and a portrait of familial love. With poignant text and vivid illustrations, Juneteenth Is offers a window and a mirror for readers, resonating with kids who will see themselves reflected in its pages and those who hope to understand experiences beyond their own.

CELEBRATES BLACK JOY: At its root, this is a story of family and community. Vibrant illustrations capture the warmth and unity of Black families and Black communities in a portrait of beautiful joy.

REMEMBERING A LEGACY: Both a story of celebration and a commemoration of freedom, this book honors a past of struggle, resilience, and triumph. It recognizes Juneteenth not just as a holiday but as a cultural legacy. An author’s note also explains the significance of the color red to Juneteenth—its use as a symbol of African American endurance and the ways Black communities weave the color into modern-day celebrations through food and clothing.

BLACK HISTORY IS AMERICAN HISTORY: Juneteenth marks an undeniable truth of American history and remains a cultural touchstone for many Black Americans, making it important for all Americans to understand. Much-needed in this time of growing representation and discussion about equity and social justice, this book is a strong resource for parents and educators seeking to introduce Black history and encourage respectful conversations.

Perfect for:
* Anyone looking for diverse picture books
* Teachers and librarians
* Gift-giving for Juneteenth celebrations, Black History Month, or classroom bookshelf

Our history echoes with events which, over time, have become hidden, yet are important to all of us. Juneteenth is a celebration which recognizes the end of the enslavement of Black people in America. This book opens a door to understanding our history and celebrating our future―together.

Meet A Kids Co., a new kind of media company with a collection of beautifully designed books that kickstart challenging, empowering, and important conversations for kids and their grownups. Learn more about us at akidsco.com.

We are excited to present BLK MKT Vintage's 2024 Juneteenth commemorative tees which were proudly conceptualized in honor of one of the most prolific visual artists of the Harlem Renaissance, Aaron Douglas. BLK MKT Vintage was specifically inspired by his Modernist interpretations of Black folks as their own heroes/heroines - on freedom day, and everyday. Think vintage Opportunity: Journal of Negro Life and Crisis Magazine covers of the 1920’s and 1930’s with triumph and self-determination rendered in Douglas’ iconic cut-paper aesthetic.

Adult size unisex short-sleeved t-shirt, screen-printed on one side. 100% Cotton. Creme color with charcoal ink. Available sizes are XS - 3XL. Click through photos for the size chart and please select your desired size(s). Also available in faded black.

About Juneteenth: Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the abolition of slavery in the state of Texas and more broadly, the emancipation of enslaved Africans in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that Union soldiers landed at Galveston, TX with news that the Civil War and that enslaved peoples were free. This was two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. In America, more than 24 states recognize June 19th as a state holiday or have some official form of observance. In 2021, Juneteenth was made a US Federal Holiday after a grassroots campaign led by Texas resident and organizer Opal Lee.

About the Designer: Hadiya Williams, the founder and creative director of Black Pepper Paperie Co.®, specializes in decorative and generative art, drawing inspiration from a continuum spanning West African art forms, the Black Arts Movement, and early 20th-century print design.

Her journey began as a hobby in 2017 when she combined her newfound love for clay with her foundation in print design. Transitioning from a 20-year career in graphic design, she now dedicates her focus to handmade ceramic objects, surface design, and generative art. Hadiya has collaborated with brands such as F. Schumacher Co., Target, Lulu and Georgia, AARP, and Meta and her work has been featured in/on various media platforms including Design Milk, Business of Design, Domino, and The New York Times. Hadiya's artwork serves as a reflection of cultural influences, traditions, and narratives from across the global Black diaspora—connecting the past, present, and future.

We are exctied to present BLK MKT Vintage's 2024 Juneteenth commemorative tees which were proudly conceptualized in honor of one of the most prolific visual artists of the Harlem Renaissance, Aaron Douglas. BLK MKT Vintage was specifically inspired by his Modernist interpretations of Black folks as their own heroes/heroines - on freedom day, and everyday. Think vintage Opportunity: Journal of Negro Life and Crisis Magazine covers of the 1920’s and 1930’s with triumph and self-determination rendered in Douglas’ iconic cut-paper aesthetic.

Adult size unisex short-sleeved t-shirt, screen-printed on one side. 100% Cotton. Creme color with charcoal ink. Available sizes are XS - 3XL. Click through photos for the size chart and please select your desired size(s). Also available in faded black.

About Juneteenth: Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the abolition of slavery in the state of Texas and more broadly, the emancipation of enslaved Africans in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that Union soldiers landed at Galveston, TX with news that the Civil War and that enslaved peoples were free. This was two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. In America, more than 24 states recognize June 19th as a state holiday or have some official form of observance. In 2021, Juneteenth was made a US Federal Holiday after a grassroots campaign led by Texas resident and organizer Opal Lee.

About the Designer: Hadiya Williams, the founder and creative director of Black Pepper Paperie Co.®, specializes in decorative and generative art, drawing inspiration from a continuum spanning West African art forms, the Black Arts Movement, and early 20th-century print design.

Her journey began as a hobby in 2017 when she combined her newfound love for clay with her foundation in print design. Transitioning from a 20-year career in graphic design, she now dedicates her focus to handmade ceramic objects, surface design, and generative art. Hadiya has collaborated with brands such as F. Schumacher Co., Target, Lulu and Georgia, AARP, and Meta and her work has been featured in/on various media platforms including Design Milk, Business of Design, Domino, and The New York Times. Hadiya's artwork serves as a reflection of cultural influences, traditions, and narratives from across the global Black diaspora—connecting the past, present, and future.