Image Credit: Yoli Bergstrom-Lynch
Join the Trinity College librarians in celebrating Juneteenth (also known as Jubilee Day) by exploring this mini collection of books and primary source materials commemorating Black freedom from enslavement. Learn more about “The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth” from the Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture (Google Arts and Culture) site. This virtual collection also includes a hyperlinked list of local Juneteenth celebrations. You can also commemorate Jubilee Day by visiting local Black Heritage Trails and supporting Connecticut-based Black-owned businesses via ShopBlackCT.
Guide Curators:
Yoli Bergstrom-Lynch -- Social Justice & Critical Pedagogy Research Librarian
Jeff Liszka -- Arts & Humanities Librarian
The term Juneteenth wasn’t widely used until the 1890s (Wikipedia). Jubilee Day seemed to be the most commonly used term in early Texas celebrations. When searching in these newspapers, try using terms such as "Juneteenth," “freedmen,” “Galveston,” and "emancipation”
I Am Not Your Negro is a 2016 documentary film and social critique film essay directed by Raoul Peck, based on James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript Remember this House. Narrated by actor Samuel L. Jackson, the film explores the history of racism in the United States through Baldwin's recollections of civil rights leaders Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr., as well as his personal observations of American history (Wikipedia).
King T'Challa returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as new leader. However, T'Challa soon finds that he is challenged for the throne from divisions within his own country. When two enemies conspire to destroy Wakanda, the hero known as Black Panther must join forces with C.I.A. agent Everett K. Ross and members of the Wakandan Special Forces, to prevent Wakanda from being drawn into a world war.
Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, the movie tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and transformation into one of America's greatest heroes. Her courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.
"The unforgettable true story chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay's "Selma" tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history."--Written by Miss W J Mcdermott on IMDb.com.
Born Malcolm Little, his minister father was killed by the Ku Klux Klan. He became a gangster, and while in jail discovered the Nation of Islam writings of Elijah Muhammad. After getting out of jail, he preaches the teachings, but later on goes on a pilgrimage to the city of Mecca. There he converts to the original Islamic religion and becomes a Sunni Muslim. He changes his name to El-Hajj Malik Al-Shabazz and stops his anti-white teachings, having discovered the error of his mistakes. He is later assassinated and dies a Muslim martyr.
Combining archival footage with testimony from activists and scholars, director Ava DuVernay's examination of the U.S. prison system looks at how the country's history of racial inequality drives the high rate of incarceration in America. This piercing, Oscar-nominated film won Best Documentary at the Emmys, the BAFTAs and the NAACP Image Awards.
June 3rd, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Free
Juneteenth will be celebrated in the city of Danbury on Sunday, June 19th from 12-5PM at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU), Midtown Campus on 181 White Street and will lift up the theme that garnered the most votes by Danbury residents* — “Honoring our Heritage: Forging the Future.”
June 10th, 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM | Free
At 5:30 pm, join filmmaker Ifé Franklin for a screening of The Slave Narrative of Willie Mae, a short film which tells the story of Willie Mae Lenox, a 20-year old Black woman enslaved in Virginia in the mid 1800s, who sets upon her journey to freedom. Following the screening, gather around the campfire for a community conversation on the grounds of the Hempsted Houses at 6:00 pm to commemorate historic and present-day struggles toward freedom and hear more about the work of Joseph McGill of the Slave Dwelling Project.
June 11th, 11:00 AM Parade; 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Festival | Free
This year will be monumental for Fairfield County as we observe this new, national and state holiday with the largest celebration in our history, including a parade on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 11 AM in Seaside Park followed by our Harambee Festival that will be open to the public from 1 PM to 5 PM. Last year, this event featured upwards of 100 representatives of minority-owned businesses.
June 11th, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Free
Join Connecticut Landmarks to celebrate Juneteenth with the City of New London and highlight the African-American history of the Hempsted Houses and the surrounding New London neighborhood with our partners. The celebration will feature music, dance performances, and a dash of history, with activities and crafts for children.
June 11th, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM | $$
After Party to Follow Down Town Hartford @ The Russell 187 Allyn st Hartford, CT. Dress Code will be enforced as we are asking participants to wear their best summer time African Ankara Attire. Featuring live entertainment. Food will be included with all admission tickets.
June 11th, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Free
Join us on Saturday, June 11 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. for Juneteenth Family Day. The day will include live music from Lost Tribe, crafting, African drumming with Alvin Carter, Jr., storytelling by Andre Keitt, and Anne Cubberly's famous giant puppets. There is something for the entire family. The event will take place outdoors between the Wadsworth Atheneum and Hartford's City Hall on the Alfred E. Burr Memorial Mall*.
June 18th, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Free
East Hartford, CT – The Town of East Hartford in collaboration with East Hartford Parks and Recreation, the Committee on Culture and Fine Arts and the East Hartford Black Caucus invite you to attend the town’s first Juneteenth Celebration. The event will take place at the East Hartford Town Green, 1047 Main Street.
June 18th, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Free
Come join the NBMAA’s 21st Annual Juneteenth Celebration! Spanning the Museum’s galleries and grounds, the celebration will include a full schedule of events, with drumming, dance, and poetry performances outdoors. Inside, tour the special exhibition, 30 Americans, and the Museum’s permanent collection and make lasting memories through hands-on art activities and scavenger hunts. Shop local Black-owned businesses and grab a bite from regional food vendors.
June 18th & 19th | Free
Celebrated over the course of two days. Includes a concert, Juneteenth Village, bike ride through key historical landmarks, book discussion of Afro-vegan cooking with chef and food justice activist Bryant Terry, and the Elder Honoring ceremony. More details.
Parade, Saturday, June 18, 2022 at 11:00 AM. | Free
Saturday, June 18th - Parade - Line up begins at 10:00 AM - First Cathedral - 1151 Blue Hills Avenue
Community Cook Out, Sunday, June 19 202 2-6:00 PM
Blue Hills Fire Department 1021 Blue Hills Avenue
In Partnership Together, the Towns of Bloomfield & Windsor invite you to a 2-day celebration of Unity, Family & Fun!
June 18th, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Free
Join the city of West Haven for a Juneteenth celebration! Learn about the history behind Juneteenth and celebrate with residents and local officials. This free event will feature local vendors, music, food and a talent showcase at Brent Watt Park on Tile Street in West Haven.
June 18th, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Free
Join the town of Manchester for its Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration! Celebrations include art, live music, poetry, murals, food, vendor market, family activities & more! Located at the Leisure Labs at Mahoney Center, 110 Cedar St., Manchester, CT.
Jun 19, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Free
Join us as we celebrate Juneteenth 2022 in Bushnell Park. The day will include live music, fine art, food trucks and fun for kids of all ages. Bushnell Park | Black Lives Matter Mural
Jun 19, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Free
The Juneteenth 2022 Festival will be held at the Enfield Town Green on June 19, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Our goal is to inspire everyone with the contributions African Americans in the past, present and future. African American vendors will be selling sundry products and foods. The Enfield community will also be treated to uplifting African American music and poetry that encourages everyone to be true to themselves.
Jun 19, 12:00 PM | Free
On Sunday June 19th, we will ring our steeple bell in commemoration of Juneteenth, and in memory of all those who have been killed due to their skin color. Enfield Congregational, United Church of Christ, 1295 Enfield St, Enfield, CT, 06082.