Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865 more than 25,000 slaves in the state of Texas were informed they were now free. This was over 2 years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.
The General Order read in part:
“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.”
Today, Juneteenth is celebrated across the country with day, week, and in some locations even month-long events marked with guest speakers, barbeques, and family gatherings. Citizens in cities across the country of all races, ethnicities, and religions join together in acknowledging this time in our history and celebrate June 19, 1865. The period of reflection and rejoicing emphasizes education and achievement of African Americans across the country.
Below is a list of resources we invite you to read about the importance of Juneteenth and the accomplishments of Black scientists across the country.
National Museum of African American History & Culture- Celebrating Juneteenth:
https://nmaahc.si.edu/blog-post/celebrating-juneteenth
History of Juneteenth:
https://www.juneteenth.com/history.htm
Juneteenth Virtual Community Day:
http://www.amistadcenter.org/juneteenth-virtual-community-day/
10 Black Scientists You Should Know:
https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/scientific-experiments/10-black-scientists4.htm
From the Hospital to the Lab- Black Scientists are Fighting COVID-19:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/linhanhcat/2020/04/11/black-scientists-fighting-covid-19/#54262009b671
Ten Black Scientists that Science Teachers Should Know About:
If you have additional resources, we invite you to share them with us on social media.
