Juneteenth celebration expands despite civil rights backlash

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Axios

8 hours ago


Celebrations of Juneteenth, the new federal holiday that honors the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas, are growing amid a general backlash on civil rights and discussions on racism.

Why it matters: Like Pride, companies are pulling back of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives around race, and the Trump administration reinterprets Civil Rights-era laws to focus on "anti-white racism."

But the popularity of Juneteenth and the momentum around the holiday appears to help it expand around the country — for now.

Zoom out: Portsmouth, the New Hampshire city where an enslaved woman escaped President George Washington's pursuit, will host a gathering for Juneteenth of direct descendants of some of America's founding fathers and the people they enslaved.

Oakland, Calif.-based Red Bay Coffee will release this month a "Juneteenth Limited Release" coffee named Intango Rwanda, a light-medium roast grown high in the hills of Gatagara Village by the Dukunde Kawa Cooperative.

The Library of Congress commemorate Juneteenth with a "program focused on the themes of family and home." The library will encourage visitors to meet a staff expert from the Manuscript Division, and learn about items from the Library's Abraham Lincoln Papers.

Organizers in Houston, north of Galveston, Texas, the site of the original Juneteenth, will host a series of events including a cook-off and a tour of historic Black neighborhoods.

Portland, Ore., will play host to another Black rodeo on Juneteenth.

State of play: The rapid commercialization of Juneteenth comes as some states pass laws limiting the discussion about enslavement in public schools and as some GOP lawmakers press for the return of Confederate monuments.

Read more: https://www.axios.com/2025/06/02/juneteenth-celebration-civil-rights-backlash

[J_William_Ryan]

1. "...amid a general backlash on civil rights and discussions on racism."

The only backlash is that of the racist right, motivated by fear, ignorance, and hate.

[yellowdogintexas]

2. Well, since I live in Fort Worth, TX the home of Dr Opal Lee (the "grandmother" of Juneteeth" we will have activities

Last edited Thu Jun 5, 2025, 01:52 PM - Edit history (1)

Andrew Young will be here June 19th for a speaking engagement; reservations required, but no admission fees
Tarrant County Democratic Party Juneteenth Celebration June 20th
Something will be happening at the future site of the National Juneteenth Museum
Opal's Walk For Freedom on June 19th