Freedom, Fun, and Festivities: Celebrating Juneteenth in Style
Freedom, joy, and soul food—Juneteenth is more than a history lesson; it’s a celebration of culture, community, and the triumph of liberation. Marked every June 19th, this vibrant holiday commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in Texas finally heard the news: they were free. Today, Juneteenth is a time to honor that moment with music, storytelling, parades, and plenty of barbecue. Whether you’re joining your first Juneteenth celebration or keeping a family tradition alive, it's a powerful—and joyful—reminder that freedom is always worth celebrating.
Donating for Juneteenth is a powerful way to turn celebration into action. It’s about more than marking history; it’s about investing in the future. By supporting black led organizations, education, and community initiatives, you’re helping build lasting change and pushing forward the ongoing fight for equity and justice. It’s a bold and direct way to show and stand in support of the spirit of Juneteenth.
Organizations to donate to
Children of Promise: Providing support and mentorship for children of incarcerated parents, aiming to break the cycle of intergenerational involvement in the criminal justice system.
Black Girls Code: A mission to ensure that Black girls believe they belong in tech and launch them with the skills, opportunities, and resources to lead.
ACLU: Defending the rights of all people nationwide. This organization fights for your freedom in court battles at the state and federal levels. They provide nationwide advocacy and litigation-focused campaigns and initiatives.
NAACP Legal Defense Fund: America’s premier legal organization fighting for racial justice. Using the power of law, narrative, research, and people, they defend and advance the full dignity and citizenship of Black people in the United States.
Thurgood Marshall College Fund: Provide scholarships, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships for K-12 and higher education. They believe in the power to uplift communities and shape the future.
Volunteer/Be involved in the community:
Volunteering for Juneteenth is a hands-on way to honor the holiday and be part of something bigger. It’s about showing up, lending your time and energy, and helping build stronger, more connected communities. Whether you’re supporting local events or pitching in behind the scenes, every action helps carry forward the legacy of Juneteenth through service and solidarity.
Invest in your community and boost the voices of key non-profits
Attend a community event, from festivals, parades, concerts, cookouts, and more.
Find more places to volunteer your time on Give Pulse
Places to celebrate and attend Juneteenth events
Galveston, Texas: On June 19th, you can attend the reading of the 45th Annual Juneteenth Proclamation at Ashton Villa. These events honor Al Edwards, a former representative who advocated for Juneteenth to be recognized as a state holiday in Texas. There will also be a family fun day at Reedy Chapel AME, the first African Methodist Episcopal church established in the state of Texas.
Auburn, New York: Auburn was the last home to abolitionist Harriet Tubman. The city was a hub for abolitionists and was one of many stops along New York’s Underground Railroad system. The Seward House Museum will also offer free admission to the museum, along with guided tours throughout the day; however, reservations are recommended.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Philadelphia is home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were drafted and signed. The Johnson House Historic Site, a stop on the Underground Railroad, will host the 18th annual Philadelphia Juneteenth festival on the 15th. There will be performances, vendors, food, and talks.
Don’t feel like traveling? Host your own celebration with friends and family!
Host your celebration honoring freedom and culture:
Celebrating Juneteenth with friends and family is the perfect way to honor freedom. It’s a time to come together, share stories, and celebrate culture. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just hanging out, it’s all about connection, joy, and keeping the spirit of Juneteenth alive, together.
Supporting black owned businesses:
Supporting black-owned businesses during Juneteenth is a great way to celebrate freedom while fueling the future. It’s more than shopping, it’s backing creativity, culture, and community. Whether you’re picking up something unique, stylish, or handcrafted, every purchase helps build economic strength and keeps the legacy of Juneteenth moving forward.
Beauty
Beauty Bakerie
About The Brand: Founded by Cashmere Nicole, Beauty Bakerie blends modern bakery delights with the world of beauty. They are committed to making the world a sweeter place; Beauty Bakerie has been dubbed activists in makeup by living and giving at the intersection of beauty, culture, and change. All products are clean and of high quality, led by humanity and joy.
Featured Product: Flour Setting Powder, $26, available in 7 different colors. This setting powder is finely milled, gluten-free, and vegan. Your makeup will stay in place all day, blurring pores, keeping oils at bay, and softening your complexion.
Mented Cosmetics
About The Brand: Founded by KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson, Mented celebrates all hues to make beauty truly and wonderfully inclusive. Mented believes that everyone should be able to find themselves in the world of beauty, regardless of their skin tone. All products are perfectly pigMented, vegan, paraben-free, nontoxic, and cruelty-free.
Featured Products: Blush, $22, 4 shades. This blush is blendable, buildable, and pigmented. The formula includes vitamin E to nourish your skin while keeping it hydrated throughout the day, and it also provides a long-lasting powder effect.
UOMA Beauty
About the Brand: UOMA is more than a beauty brand; it’s a community-driven movement that celebrates the power, culture, and individuality within all of us. They believe beauty goes beyond skin tones. UOMA stands for honoring those who shaped the brand, empowering self-expression, embracing colorful living, beauty for all, and a commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Featured Product: Say What?! Foundation, $39, 51 shades. This unique, multi-award-winning foundation is hydrating and fragrance-free. Offering a vibrant matte finish that mimics the appearance of skin while remaining long-lasting.
Clothing and accessories
Coco and Breezy
About the Brand: Coco and Breezy Eyewear was founded by twin sisters Coco and Breezy Dotson, with a mission to illuminate individuality and empower self-expression. This luxurious eyewear was designed with intentionality, boasting names that honor our community, vision, and values. Each piece of eyewear is wearable art and unisex.
Featured Product: The Life Sunglasses, $249. Comes in two colors and features a gold detail at the top of the frame.
Nude Barre
About The Brand: Nude Barre was designed to support while providing the perfect, polished look. Nude Barre is redefining what “nude” means, representing every human from all walks of life, every day, at any time, creating everyday essentials with you in mind.
Featured Product: Convertible opaque tights, $27. Come is available in 12 colors and three sizes so that you can find your perfect match, regardless of your skin tone or size. These tights can be worn footed or footless and provide complete coverage, while still being comfortable and keeping you warm and cozy during the colder months.
Arch NYC
About the Brand: Arch NYC was founded by Jazmin Veney, who had a desire to carve out a space for herself in the shoe industry. She specializes in novelty products and conversation-starting footwear. Each design marries fun and sophistication with groundbreaking design. Centering bold design, comfort, and function, each pair of shoes is made in Brazil by a family of skilled workers.
Featured Product: The Ballies Heel, $275. These heels are available in two colors and feature an island-style heel with a barrel shape. Tonal beading covers the cushioned toe strap, and ankle straps are also featured.
Home Goods and accessories
Bole Road Textiles
About The Brand: Founded by Hana Getachew, inspired by the desire to merge her love of Ethiopian handwoven fabrics with her career in interior design. Each piece pays homage to her Ethiopian cultural heritage and reflects her global modern aesthetic. Bole Road Textiles specializes in vibrant home decor.
Featured Product: This piece from Bole Road Textile’s heritage collection features a unique Wollo pillow. This pillow was a result of a collaboration with the local artisans Hana met on her journey throughout Northeastern Ethiopia. The design features ornate patterns with vivid colors and metallic yarn.
Be Rooted
About the Brand: Be Rooted is a platform where women of color can see themselves reflected in it in a way they hadn’t before. Culture and representation are woven into each design and message. To inspire customers to explore their inner muse and celebrate themselves, Be Rooted features the message: 'We see you, we honor you, we welcome you, we’re so glad you’re here.'
Featured Product: Dated planners, $24. A variety of patterns and colors are available for this planner. Featuring weekly and monthly views, and being the perfect size to take with you on the go.
Estelle Colored Glass
About The Brand: Luxury hand-blown and specialty-made glassware can be found at Estelle Colored Glass. Each piece is an original, commissioned, and handcrafted by skilled glass artisans in Poland at a renowned glassmaking company. The company hopes to help you create special memories similar to those they had with their grandmother, who used her colored glass pieces at Sunday dinner.
Featured Product: Estelle Colored Wine Stemless, $170. These glasses are sold as a set of six and come in 12 different colors. Each glass is ensured to be lead, cadmium, and BPA-free.
As we honor Juneteenth, we're not just looking back—we’re moving forward. It’s a chance to celebrate freedom, recognize the strength of Black communities, and continue the work toward equality and justice. Juneteenth reminds us that the story of liberty is still being written—and everyone has a role to play in shaping it.
