Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day,” commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. It is celebrated and recognized as a holiday in 47 states and the District of Columbia, with festivals, cookouts, parades, and more.

Find ways to observe Juneteenth with your loved ones and community with these suggestions!

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1. SHOP BLACK

Supporting Black-owned businesses is a great way to honor and celebrate Juneteenth. This simple practice generates money for individuals and families to improve the well-being of their communities. Websites and apps like Official Black Wall Street serve as a directory for a wide variety of Black-owned businesses where patrons can find restaurants, clothing stores, fitness studios, organizations, and much more!

2. PREPARE A JUNETEENTH PARTY MENU

Juneteenth celebrations hold pride in the many dishes that are served – from BBQ to red drinks (and everything in between). WE've compiled a list of recipes from several Black chefs and food bloggers that you can enjoy with your family and friends!

EASY BBQ PORK RIBS

What would Juneteenth be without a little BBQ? Chef Nikki Miller-Ka has a super simple recipe for mouthwatering pork ribs.

(Credit: niksnackonline.com)

Eric Jones combines the classic flavors of mushrooms and Swiss cheese for these juice sliders. They're perfect for a party when you want to nibble on a little bit of everything!

(Credit: @dudethatcookz | dudethatcookz.com)

Don’t forget the sides! Home cook and food blogger Angela Davis (a.k.a. The Kitchenista) has an herbed red potato salad that is sure to please.

(Credit: @thekitchenista | kitchenistadiaries.com)

Pasta salad season is quickly approaching, making it the perfect side dish for Juneteenth. Check out Jenné Claiborne’s recipe.

(Credit: @sweetpotatosoul | sweetpotatosoul.com)

Red velvet cake is traditionally served at Juneteenth celebrations. These adorable parfait cups from Peaches 2 Peaches blogger Monique Polanco are perfect for a party.

(Credit: @peaches2peaches | peachestopeaches.com)

Satisfy your sweet tooth with Chef Millie Peartree’s recipe for caramelized banana pudding.

(Credit: @chefmilliepeartree | @nytcooking | cooking.nytimes.com)

Boston-based blogger @nailthecocktail created a special Juneteenth drink. Enjoy a glass – or two!

(Credit: @nailthecocktail)

WE created a cocktail of our own in celebration of Juneteenth! Try this "Cherries Jubilee," a fruity gin-based drink that gets a generous splash of bubbly.

3. VISIT THE NMAAHC

What better way to celebrate Juneteenth than to visit (in-person or virtually) the National Museum of African American History and Culture. This Smithsonian Institution offers a wide variety of exhibits detailing the Black experience. Click HERE for more information. (Bonus: WE've also compiled a list of local events going on in cities around the country. Find a celebration HERE!)

4. HOST A BLACK MOVIE MARATHON

Below is just a shortlist of films that celebrate Black joy, love, and brilliance. You can also check out ALLBLK for a variety of movies and documentaries.

• The Great Debaters
• Hidden Figures
• Black Panther
• Soul
• Sylvie's Love
• The Photograph
• Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit
• Drumline
• Crooklyn
• Miss Juneteenth
• The Wiz
• Girls Trip
• Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella
• Love & Basketball
• The Wood
• Love Jones
• Queen of Katwe
• Akeelah and the Bee
• Coming to America
• Black Is King

5. READ BLACK STORIES

Observe the holiday reading fictional and nonfictional literature by Black authors that will teach and celebrate.

• Juneteenth by Ralph Ellison
• The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
• Conjure Women by Afia Atakora
• The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
• Juneteenth Jamboree by Carole Boston
• Grace by Natashia Deón
• Washington Black by Esi Edugyan
• All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom by Angela Johnson
• Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
• Black Reconstruction in America 1860-1880 by W. E. B. Du Bois

6. PERFORM AFRICAN DANCE ROUTINES

Check out this African dance routine that you can learn with family and friends!

7. LISTEN TO A JUNETEENTH PLAYLIST

Black artists have inspired music for generations, across all genres. Press play on our Juneteenth playlist and celebrate the creators, past and present, who gifted us with their work.