Juneteenth: What is it? And where to celebrate in Vermont?

civil rights, Inclusive Communities, Juneteenth
A flyer for Winooski’s 2022 Juneteenth Celebration

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated on June 19th to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1st, 1863, it was not until June 19th, 1865 – approximately two months after Confederate general Robert E. Lee surrendered – that enslaved African Americans in Texas learnt of their freedom. The date has been celebrated ever since, first in Galveston, Texas and later in other parts of the country.

The holiday has grown in prominence since the murder of George Floyd by a white police officer in 2020 and ensuing national protests against white supremacy, which cemented the push to make it a federal holiday. President Biden signed the bill naming Juneteenth a federal holiday in June 2021, making it the 11th holiday recognized by the federal government.

Even though slavery was officially ended more than 150 years ago, the legacies of slavery, and of white supremacy more broadly, continue to affect the lives of Black Americans today – including with respect to housing. Nationally, just 44.1% of Black Americans own their homes, compared with 74.5% of white Americans, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The racial gap in home ownership is even more pronounced in Vermont, where just 21% of Black households are homeowners, less than half of the national average. In comparison, 72% of white Vermonters own their homes. Black renters also face discrimination: they are less likely to get a response to enquiries about available apartments, making it harder to even rent an apartment in the first place. Recently launched programs in Vermont, including a new homeownership equity program by Champlain Housing Trust aimed at BIPOC households, are hoping to reduce this homeownership gap (read more here).

How is it celebrated?

Early Juneteenth celebrations often involved prayer and small family events, where food was an important part. Celebrations have grown in recent years, with many cities hosting large events such as festivals and parades. Vermont became the 29th state to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday in 2008 and today events are held across the state to mark and celebrate the date – we’ve put together a roundup of some of them below!

Learn more: The Carpenter-Carse Library in Hinesburg has collated a Juneteenth reading and resources list with great suggestions for all ages – check it out here if you’re interested in learning more about Juneteenth!

A book about Juneteenth by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and Drew Nelson, available at public libraries in Vermont

Where can I celebrate Juneteenth in Vermont?

A variety of organizations, communities, and museums are hosting Juneteenth events across Vermont this year. Here’s a round-up: 

Burlington’s “Juneteenth: A Love Story” event
  • Event: Juneteenth, A Love Story, Friday June 17 – Sunday, June 19
  • Location: Various locations across Burlington
  • More info: https://www.btvreib.com/about-4

Vermont Racial Justice Alliance Campaign Launch and Community Cookout
Southwest Vermont Juneteenth Celebration, Bennington
The Black Experience 2022
Old Stone House Museum & Historic Village, Brownington
Rokeby Museum, Ferrisburgh (free admission on June 19!)
Clemmons Family Farm, Charlotte

 

Winooski’s Juneteenth Celebration
Essex Juneteenth
NAACP Juneteenth Hair Clinics, Rutland
Juniper Creative & VT Human Rights Commission Community Paint Day
  • Event: Fair Housing Mural Community Paint Day, noon-3pm Sunday, June 19
  • Location: 81 Pearl St., Burlington (Hong’s Dumplings/Leonardo’s building)
  • More info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce5NypxOZlx/