Juneteenth

Children's Literature - Karen Porter

This nonfiction book introduces readers to Juneteenth, a celebration that began in Texas on June 19, 1865 when the slaves there finally learned about the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been signed by Lincoln on Jan 1, 1863. The celebration has since spread within the African-American community. In addition to offering readers a detailed history of the holiday and its meaning to the people who celebrate it, the book follows the author's own experiences with Juneteenth. Black and white pictures with captions portray a variety of places and times, dating from the 1800's to the present. The language is clear and easy to read. The book is an ideal resource for a school library or a classroom studying the history of Black Americans, though I would not expect children to pick it up on their own.

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-"Part revival and part family reunion and homecoming," Juneteenth is a celebration that originated in Texas and is honored by many African Americans in recognition of emancipation from slavery. The author and her photographer husband traveled to Houston and Galveston to experience this holiday firsthand. Interspersed with details about their journey are historical facts, newspaper quotes, and descriptions of various Juneteenth observations, from solemn to joyous. The emphasis is on how the observance grew from being relatively localized to being observed throughout the nation. The mostly decorative black-and-white photos, all taken on the trip, show people enjoying their holiday; some historical reproductions are also included. For students researching this topic, Charles Taylor's Juneteenth (Praxis, 1995) presents the facts in a concise manner and shares some modern family experiences. Carole Weatherford's Juneteenth Jamboree (Lee & Low, 1995) is well suited to reading aloud. Viewed as a travelogue, the Branchs' book is an interesting look at this holiday.-Sharon R. Pearce, formerly at San Antonio Public Library, TX

Horn Book Magazine

On January 1, 1863, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Two years, six months, and eighteen days later, on June 19, 1865, official word reached Texas. Branch outlines the reasons for the delay-which vary from speculation (white slave owners wanted to bring their crops in before releasing slaves) to legend (Lincoln's envoy took a slow mule to Texas)-while allowing participants to speak of their joy and celebration through slave narratives and newspaper reports. She chronicles the growth and nature of annual June nineteenth ceremonies, framing this discussion with her own personal search for the meaning of Juneteenth. She begins on a frenetic, personal note, describing her initially futile search for Juneteenth activities in Houston in 1995, and segues into a basic and lively history. On the one hand she brings together the common elements of Juneteenth, emphasizing the Black community's annual reunion and renewal, while on the other she notes the individual differences in observance, showing the range from elaborate regional activities to a single family's intimate gathering. The book comes full circle as Branch concludes with her own observations and experiences and encourages readers to initiate Juneteenth celebrations in their neighborhoods. Appended are a short list of organizations, an extensive bibliography of sources, and an index.

Kirkus Reviews

A book with an inviting format just adequately explains the African-American celebration and its origins in Texas of the 1900s. In six loosely organized chapters, Branch (The Water Brought Us, 1995) describes Juneteenth—June 19, 1865the day many slaves in Texas were told of their freedom "two years, six months, and eighteen days late," because the Emancipation Proclamation was dated January 1, 1863. Branch discusses the various reasons and legends that have grown up around this delay, concluding that the slaves were deceived so they would continue as free labor, working on the crops. Spontaneous celebration at the news of freedom led to an annual holiday in Texas, and, as African- Americans moved out of that state, across the country. The text assumes a knowledge of the institution of slavery, who was affected, where they lived, and what life was like for the enslaved; words such as secede are defined, but not white supremacist or lynching. There is a description of what occurred when slaves learned they were free, including a few quotes from primary sources. After a description of the holiday's origins, "part revival . . . family reunion and homecoming," the organization becomes slippery. Branch goes to some length discussing her search for a contemporary celebration; she attends festivals and recounts in detail the organizations and groups that perform, in coverage that reads like a feature article in a small-town newspaper. Sketchy information on how to organize a celebration appears; the book makes use of excellent black-and- white reproductions and amateurish, badly cropped contemporary photographs. (bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)