Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, marks the day — June 19, 1865 — when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom (two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed).
This day has evolved into a celebration of African American culture and heritage, as well as a continued journey toward equality and justice. It's a day to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire future generations.
"The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer."
Gordon Granger
Union General, June 19, 1865
Organizations across the country organize and host Juneteenth events, from festivals, parades, concerts, cookouts, and more! You can find local Juneteenth community events on GivePulse to attend or volunteer at, contributing your time and resources.
Volunteering is a powerful way to give back and celebrate Juneteenth. From helping set up events to assisting with clean-up, there are numerous opportunities to get involved. Gather your friends and family, and explore volunteer opportunities on GivePulse to support your community on Juneteenth.
Take the time to learn about the history of Juneteenth, the legacy of slavery, and how you can support reparations in the United States.
Check out podcasts, books, documentaries, programs, workshops, and articles that dive deep into the history of Juneteenth and the history of slavery and freedom. Share what you learn with friends and family to spread awareness and understanding. Consider organizing a discussion group or book club to dive deeper into these important topics.
Supporting Black-led organizations through a donation is one of the most effective ways to show your support and solidarity on Juneteenth. Consider donating to organizations that support the African American community and advocate for civil rights. Many nonprofits rely on donations to continue their vital work; find organizations that speak to you on GivePulse.
Voting is a powerful tool for making your voice heard and effecting change. As we celebrate Juneteenth and reflect on the progress made since emancipation, it's crucial to recognize the ongoing struggles for equality and justice. One of the most impactful ways to honor Juneteenth is by exercising your right to vote and encouraging others to do the same.
For nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, cities, businesses, and more, Juneteenth offers a unique opportunity to educate, celebrate, and engage the community. Check out a few ways partners are activating their communities for Juneteenth:
Ohio University is hosting its annual Community Juneteenth Festival for 2025 to celebrate Juneteenth in the Athens, OH community. Their festival is open to the public and includes music, vendors, activities, dancing, and more! Ohio University is also hosting a Black History Tour of Athens County in partnership with the Mount Zion Black Cultural Center to visit the Tablertown People of Color Museum.
The National Civil Rights Museum is celebrating Juneteenth as a Community Day, offering free museum admission and welcoming all visitors to learn more about the origins and importance of Juneteenth. The event features entertainment, educational activities, community resources, health screenings, wellness information, and more, promoting equitable care and healthier futures.
POA is joining the Douglass Freedom & Heritage Juneteenth Festival this year to introduce its water advocacy project, created through the Water Warrior program. The POA station will include a kids' water area, edible aquifers, interactive water table, a Data Walk station, a Mobile Mural installation, and more!
At GivePulse, we believe in the power of community and the importance of coming together to celebrate and learn from each other. Our platform is designed to connect individuals with opportunities to get involved and empower organizations to make a greater impact. This Juneteenth, let's work together to honor the past, celebrate the present, and build a brighter future.
By participating in Juneteenth events and activities, you're actively contributing to the ongoing fight for equality and justice. Use GivePulse to discover opportunities, connect with your community, and make a lasting impact!
5 Ways You Can Support Juneteenth
Creating Lasting Change for Racial Justice
Celebrate Juneteenth by Supporting Your Community
About GivePulse
GivePulse's mission is to enable everyone in the world to participate and engage in lifting their community to new heights. We do so by providing a platform to list, find, organize, and measure the impact of service-learning, community engagement, philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, and volunteerism.
Founded in 2012 in Austin, Texas, GivePulse works with 650,000+ groups, including colleges and universities, nonprofits, businesses, K-12/school districts, and cities and municipalities. Together, we connect millions of people in an effort to create positive social change.
Start making a difference today by visiting www.givepulse.com.