Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is the most recent holiday to be deemed a federal holiday since Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was made a federal holiday in 1983. Although Juneteenth is considered the oldest African American holiday, for over 150 years, areas across the United States as well as certain parts of Mexico fought for national observation of this day. On June 17, 2021, the holiday finally became nationally recognized when Joe Biden signed a bill commemorating slavery ending in the United States a federally recognized holiday. Juneteenth recognizes June 19, 1865 — the day federal troops marched in Galveston, Texas, to take control of the state to make sure everyone that was enslaved would be freed.
It is not surprising that significant moments in Black history are rarely mentioned in the childhood curriculum across certain states. Many people, unfortunately, weren’t aware of the national and cultural significance of Juneteenth until much more recently, which means there’s still a lot of education to be had. Moving forward, many Americans are looking for ways to continue to work in unity for equality, equity, and racial justice while celebrating Juneteenth. Below are some organizations to donate to on Juneteenth to show your support.
- NAACP
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The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is known for conducting activism towards promoting social justice and civil rights. The organization is famous for advocating for civil rights. Their goal is to continue the legacies of Ida B. Wells, W.E.B Du Bois, and other early leaders of the NAACP, while creating an inclusive community where everyone can exercise their civil rights free of discrimination. Some of the NAACP’s work includes the ACT-SO Achievement Program, where high school students across the country can strengthen their skills through educational enrichment activities. These events occur on both a local and national level, where students can win awards as well as scholarships.
- NBDCI
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The National Black Child Development Institute (NBDCI) works with policymakers, professionals, and parents on issues that impact Black families and their children. They utilize resources that are culturally relevant to the community to help improve the lives of the Black community. Some of the NBCD’s work includes the NBCDI Policy Fellowship Program, which was launched in June 2019 to elevate Black leaders and make sure that young children are being served at a national level in social service systems, health, and education.
- Thurgood Marshall College Fund
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The Thurgood Marshall College Fund was established in 1987. The fund quickly became the nation’s largest organization representing the Black college community. The fund provides support to Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) as well as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). To date, the organization has awarded over $300 million dollars to students and its member schools. Some of TMCF’s work includes helping to launch the Bipartisan Congressional HBCU Caucus in April 2015. The Caucus addresses and highlights the challenges that HBCUs face, and works to ensure their needs are recognized on Capitol Hill.