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| At Bookmans, Phoenix, Ariz. | |
Last Thursday, President Biden signed the bill designating Juneteenth as a federal holiday in the U.S. On Saturday, indie booksellers shared their celebrations and reflections on social media. Here's a sampling:
Main Street Books, Davidson, N.C.: "Happy Juneteenth! We were honored to hear Newbery & Caldecott illustrator, Gordon James, read books filled with his vibrant, affirming art at the Juneteenth Celebration hosted by Ada Jenkins Center today.... Thank you to all of the organizers and volunteers for bringing together our community to joyfully celebrate Black liberation."
Annie Bloom's Books, Portland, Ore.: "Celebrate Juneteenth by supporting Portland's Black-owned bookstore, Third Eye Books Accessories & Gifts LLC. Grand opening at their new location in SE tomorrow, 2-4 pm!"
The Open Book Canyon Country, Santa Clarita, Calif.: "Freedom Day. Jubilee Day. Liberation Day. Emancipation Day. Juneteenth has a few names, but this day commemorating the end of slavery in 1865 is also a day to remember that even though slavery ended, the struggle didn't, and there is as much to celebrate in how far we've come since 1865 as there is to reflect on and continue to grow."
Wise Blood Booksellers, Kansas City, Mo.: "Happy Juneteenth! Read Black authors--every day, period. Support Black-owned businesses (like Willa's Books & Vinyl and @bliss_books_wine_kc, for example!). No one's free until everyone's free."
Northshire Bookstore, Manchester Center, Vt.: "Today we celebrate Juneteenth, a day commemorating the liberation of enslaved people in the U.S. As #juneteenth is now an official holiday, this year marks the perfect opportunity for reflection. Shown above are some of our favorite pieces for all ages to further your education on this celebration!"
Bookie's, Homewood, Ill.: "Wishing our customers, neighbors, and friends a very happy Juneteenth! Keep reading and fighting for even more freedom."
Turning Page Bookshop, Goose Creek, S.C.: "Lataya and I selling books & accessories at the Juneteenth Celebration at River Front Park."
Changing Hands Bookstore, Phoenix & Tempe, Ariz.: "Today is #Juneteenth! We've put together some recommended reads to celebrate and honor the occasion--books about our true history as a country, about community, about Black joy, the ongoing work of liberation and anti-racism, and more. We hope you find something to read, to love, and to share. Happy Juneteenth."
Loganberry Books, Shaker Heights, Ohio: "Today is Juneteenth! We are excited to commemorate this day with you. Many Juneteenth Programs are commemorated with a rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing, which is considered the African American National Anthem. The lyrics to this anthem, written by James Weldon Johnson, signify the journey, history, and future of many African American people. Remember that a percentage of sales today will be donated to the Urban League of Cleveland, and there is a place to donate to Karamu House as well!"
Harriett's Bookshop, Philadelphia, Pa. (video): " 'Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another.'--Toni Morrison w/ @seraiahnicole & the community."