How to Celebrate Juneteenth in 2025: What to Do and Why It Matters

Author’s Note: As a Black woman, I carry a heaviness writing about this. I was well into adulthood before I learned about Juneteenth. My family celebrated by displaying a Juneteenth flag in our yard and cooking soul food—it was simple but meaningful. Though I came to Juneteenth later in life, the knowledge I’ve gained since has deeply shaped me. I hope this personal background frames the perspective behind this piece and enriches your reading.

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is an annual holiday honoring June 19, 1865, the day the last enslaved people of Galveston, TX learned they were free, when Union Army Major General Gordon Granger arrived to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. The news came nearly two years after the proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln. 

Juneteenth is a portmanteau, or a blending of words, and gets its name by combining the words “June” and “nineteenth,” but is also referred to as Jubilee Day, Black Independence Day, Freedom Day, and Emancipation Day. 

Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?

With recent DEI rollback initiatives and some cities canceling Juneteenth celebrations, you may be wondering: is Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2025? The short answer is yes —  Juneteenth remains a federal holiday. 

While it was only officially recognized in 2021, when President Joe Biden signed it into law, Juneteenth has been celebrated since the late 1800s. Despite being a relatively new addition to the federal holiday calendar, its historical significance runs deep.

What is the significance of Juneteenth?

Juneteenth marks a pivotal moment of freedom, a day symbolizing the liberation of the last enslaved Black Americans. It stands as a powerful reminder that freedom in the United States was long delayed for many, and that justice must be continuously sought. Juneteenth is a time to celebrate strength and resilience, honor the past, and look ahead to a future rooted in equity, inclusion, and shared progress.

The continued fight for housing equality 

While Juneteenth commemorates a hard-won milestone in the fight for freedom, it also calls us to confront the injustices that persist today. True liberation goes beyond symbolic moments, it requires ongoing commitment to dismantling systemic barriers that affect Black communities across generations. Despite progress, Black communities continue to experience deep disparities, especially in economic areas, with housing at the forefront.

The facts speak for themselves: Black millennials are half as likely to own a home as white millennials, and only 45% of Black families own their home, compared to 74% of white families— a gap that has hardly narrowed over the last decade. What about starter homes? Unfortunately, starter homes remain out of reach for most Black families, with affordability limited to just 10 major U.S. metros. 

If this doesn’t raise concern, it should. There’s still a lot of work to do—and recognizing that is the heart of what Juneteenth is all about.

How can non-Black individuals participate in Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a celebration rooted in Black history, but it’s a holiday anyone can celebrate. A good starting point is learning the history behind the holiday and why it matters. Understanding its significance is a powerful way to show respect and stand in solidarity.

From there, think about some ways you can celebrate Juneteenth that feel meaningful to you—whether that means gathering with friends, attending a community event, or supporting your favorite Black-owned businesses.

Brett Holzhauer Senior Content Writer at Biz2Credit speaks on the power of supporting Black-owned businesses on Juneteenth: “One creative way to celebrate is by organizing a ‘Freedom Market’ pop-up, where local Black-owned vendors can showcase and sell their products to employees and the community. Supporting these businesses financially and through visibility helps amplify Black entrepreneurship. Ultimately, Juneteenth is about reflection, recognition, and action—and businesses of any size can contribute meaningfully.”

Simple, right? It doesn’t matter what you decide to do, as long as you honor the day in a way that feels authentic to you. 

How can businesses recognize Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is more than just a day off; it’s a day to recognize the contributions Black people have made to society, but it’s also an opportunity to acknowledge that there is still so much disparity that Black people face. 

Since 2021, more than 800 companies have committed to observing Juneteenth, with many tech firms adopting the holiday as early as 2020. 

At Redfin, Black employees have shared their personal reflections on what meaningful Juneteenth recognition looks like in the workplace, drawing from their own experiences and hopes for continued progress: 

Shannon Williams, Senior Sales Advisor at Redfin, explains: “Companies should be mindful that the essence of the holiday is not meant to bring discomfort, but knowledge. Its celebration should serve as a reminder that those in power have a moral duty to speak up for the disenfranchised and to amplify the voices to those who have often been rendered voiceless.” 

There are many ways companies can meaningfully honor Juneteenth—but it starts with taking an honest look at what’s already been done and identifying where there’s room to grow. From there, businesses can take intentional steps to support their Black employees and communities. Some meaningful actions include:

Turning intentions into impact

Michelle Bassett, Manager of Data Quality and Tagging at Redfin, says: “The key to authentic Juneteenth recognition in the workplace goes beyond just marking it as a paid holiday. Businesses should focus on creating learning opportunities while actively supporting Black communities and professionals. Most importantly, companies should use Juneteenth as a catalyst for year-round action, whether that’s establishing grant programs for Black entrepreneurs or creating dedicated professional development opportunities for Black employees.”

Elevating Black leadership in the workplace

Companies can also honor Juneteenth by actively working to increase diversity within their organizations. While Black people represent approximately 14% of the U.S. population, they remain significantly underrepresented in corporate leadership. Currently, only about 7% of managerial positions and 5% of senior-manager roles are held by Black professionals. Companies can honor Juneteenth by actively increasing representation through inclusive hiring, mentorship, and supportive cultures. Celebrating Juneteenth is not only about honoring history, but also about driving real change in the present, ensuring that diversity and inclusion are foundational to business success and social progress.

One way companies can support equity is by being transparent about workforce representation—such as sharing annual diversity reports that outline the racial and ethnic makeup of their teams. “Redfin doesn’t just acknowledge the historical injustices that have shaped real estate, Redfin actively works to build a better, more equitable future through meaningful actions,” shares Myia Jenkins, Deal Coordinator Lead at Redfin. 

Cultivating space for Black voices 

Companies can also make sure their Black employees feel seen by creating spaces for their voices to be heard. Star Smith, Tour Coordinator at Redfin says: “Redfin is the only company that I’ve ever worked for that has recognized Juneteenth. I started with Redfin 6 years ago and I have seen this company provide safe places for every demographic, but this hits closer to home than anything. I’m grateful to be a part of a company that doesn’t have to dim anyone’s light and consistently makes sure that black people have a safe place.” 

How to celebrate Juneteenth at home

Now that you have a better understanding of Juneteenth and why it matters, let’s dive into ways you can celebrate Juneteenth with friends, family, or coworkers.

What makes Juneteenth special is that you can celebrate it however feels right to you. If you’re planning to host at home, there are plenty of  Juneteenth celebration ideas to choose from that honor the culture and significance of the day. Here are some ideas:

• Host a family cookout with all your favorite soul food dishes. 
• Watch or stream a movie by a Black director, our rec: Sinners by Ryan Coogler.
• Create a Juneteenth playlist featuring Black artists across genres.
• Read a book by a Black author—from the late great Toni Morrison and James Baldwin to contemporary voices like Brit Bennett or Jason Reynolds.

And, those are just a few. If you need more inspo, we spoke to some Black-owned business owners who shared their favorite ways to celebrate Juneteenth that you can do from your home, apartment, or rental.

PS: We linked the websites of each of these businesses so you can easily support them on Juneteenth and beyond. 

Share poetry, music, dance, and art from Black creators

“Every year for Juneteenth I like to get together with friends and check out local art or poetry events that highlight Black creators. Art has always been a powerful force in the Black community. It’s how we process pain, celebrate joy, and preserve our history when so much of it has been erased or overlooked. Supporting local artists on Juneteenth keeps me grounded in everything that is Black and creative.” – Amber (Owner), Bold Black Apparel

“For us, Juneteenth is a reminder that swing dance didn’t just come from Black dancers, it still belongs to them. We take the day to uplift the voices, stories, and artistry that continue to push this dance forward. Whether it’s sharing a video, joining a class, or just learning more, we invite our community to connect with the roots and future of this living tradition.” – Lindy (iLindy team), iLindy 

“This Juneteenth I will be celebrating with my arts community in Sag Harbor with the Hamptons Black Arts Council. I like to look at our legacy through art — it’s a moment of celebration with my loved ones. We will sift through archives from before slavery was abolished at the Eastville Heritage House off of Liberty Street, take a walk on Haven’s Beach, and eat hot buttered lobster and cornbread while holding court on the latest in Black contemporary art.” – Storm Ascher (Founder/Director), Storm Ascher

Celebrate Juneteenth through storytelling

“One of my favorite ways to celebrate Juneteenth at home is by hosting a family storytelling circle. We gather together and share personal memories, ancestral stories, or read aloud from Black authors—blending history with heart. It’s a powerful way to honor our roots, spark conversations, and pass down pride to the next generation, all from the comfort of home.” – Rhonda Clonts (Editor), Black-Owned Marketplace 

“We encourage the celebration of Juneteenth by centering Black wellness through storytelling as a way to reinforce resiliency. For example, inviting elderly family or community members to your home to share times in their lives were creativity, problem solving, and reliance on community support to overcome obstacles, feel joyful, and maintain the belief in their unconditional self-worth.” – Nicola Pierre-Smith, LPC (Owner/Founder), Melanated Women’s Health

“One way I love to celebrate Juneteenth at home is with our engaging, age-appropriate Juneteenth Lesson from our Hues of You Summer Camp. We explore the holiday’s history and significance, the meaning behind the Juneteenth flag, and the traditions of celebratory foods and festivals. With books like The Story of Juneteenth and All Different Now, TED-Ed’s “What is Juneteenth, and why is it important?”, and kid-friendly songs and coloring activities, we create space for meaningful conversations rooted in curiosity and joy. It’s a beautiful way for families to honor the day through learning, reflection, and connection.” – Dr. Lucretia Carter Berry (Educator, Author, TED Speaker, Founder), Brownicity 

“One of my favorite ways to celebrate Juneteenth at home is to gather with the women in my family and share stories, reflect on history, and even talk about beauty routines and wellness. Something powerful happens when we connect across generations and take the time to listen, learn and understand one another through the lens of life experiences.” – Latrice Love (Founder), Liplove

“Connection and creativity are wonderful ingredients we love to inspire others to include in their Juneteenth celebrations at home with friends and family. These elements come together beautifully through storytelling, allowing us to share reflections, memories, and love for Black liberation, all while enjoying a soulful meal that pays tribute to Black resiliency and joy. ” – Olivia Taylor, LCSW (Psychotherapist and Practice Owner), Coral Heart Counseling 

“One way I celebrate Juneteenth is by connecting with family and friends to reflect on what the holiday means to us personally and to our nation as a whole.” – Tiana Frazier, LMFT (Founder, Individual and Couples Therapist), You & Me + Therapy

“At Noir Yoga, we believe Juneteenth is a time to honor freedom through healing and reflection. One of our favorite ways to celebrate at home is by creating a mindfulness circle with family or friends—lighting candles, journaling on the meaning of liberation, and sharing reflections aloud. It’s a simple yet powerful way to connect with one another, hold space for ancestral strength, and deepen our commitment to collective wellness and joy.” – Dr. Mason Mason (Founder and Owner), Noir Yoga 

“Honoring Juneteenth at home can be a beautiful and reflective experience. Gather family photos and spend time with older relatives, sharing stories and memories. Discuss the journey of African Americans—how much has changed, and what remains the same. As you look at pictures of ancestors long past, let their resilience inspire you, and compare them to the faces of today, reflecting on progress and perseverance. Embrace the power of fellowship and faith as you look back, marvel at how we as a people have overcome past challenges. Draw strength in knowing we will endure and rise through the storms ahead.” – Michael Little (Board member), Afri-Soul Education Center

Host a cookout with family and friends

“A wonderful way to honor Juneteenth at home is by hosting a gathering centered around food and drink from Black-owned businesses. You can curate a menu featuring authentic flavors, from great brands like A Dozen Cousins or Ayo Foods. Create a nice beverage pairing by opening a bottle of Grown Folks Seltzer or AfroPop Soda, two brands that champion African American culture in their products. This activity not only celebrates Black culture and heritage but also provides direct support to Black entrepreneurs within the community as you gather and reflect with family and friends.” – Tyler Ennis (Founder), BIPOC CPG

“At home, our Juneteenth celebration is all about culture, conversation, and community over a table full of beloved comfort foods—greens, black-eyed peas, mac and cheese, ribs, and links (sometimes even a little something special from Tasty Boxe). We proudly wear Juneteenth colors, often from Black-owned businesses to show our support. Last year, we tuned in to Kendrick Lamar’s live-streamed concert, blending music, history, and family for a celebration that’s both meaningful and joyful. Most importantly, we celebrate with loved ones because this is our history—Juneteenth marks a powerful moment of freedom, and we honor our ancestors by keeping their legacy alive.” – Marina Mathis-Kidd (Owner), Tasty Boxe

“Each Juneteenth, my sister and I gather with friends and family at Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn for The Layout—a joyful community celebration that honors Black freedom and culture. We bring our own picnic setup, complete with a themed tablescape that changes each year, and share food, toasts, and laughter with others. What started as a simple picnic has become a cherished tradition—a beautiful reminder of the power of community, creativity, and collective joy.” – Malyia McNaughton (Designer), Made by Malyia

“One of my favorite ways to celebrate Juneteenth at home is with a backyard get-together while my uncle grills. We play music, we dance, we eat delicious food and we have a nice, joyful family time. It’s often filled with laughter, stories from the elders. To me, celebrating Juneteenth by spending the day celebrating with family in joy is a great way to reflect on the day while at the same time reclaiming it.” – Lori S.R. (Founder), Lori in Theory

“We like to celebrate Juneteenth by cooking our favorite ’soulful’ meal and then sharing it with family and friends. The recipe I love cooking the most is chicken and dumplings, and for dessert, peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream. I learned both recipes from my mother who learned the recipe from her mother—my grandmother. And then we serve the dish with a glass of sweet tea (substitute the sugar with stevia for those who may be diabetic).” – Julia (Executive Producer/News Publisher) , ONME Network

“One of my favorite ways to celebrate Juneteenth is by sharing a meal with family at home. Leading up to the day, I enjoy finding new local Black-owned food spots on TikTok or Instagram I can support. Whether it’s a food truck or a restaurant, discovering delicious options to bring home is a joy. As a Black business owner, I deeply appreciate the value of community support and the profound impact it can have on realizing dreams.” – Charity Mahone (Owner/Lead Designer), Charity Mahone 

“For Juneteenth, we like to start the day at home with some soul food, good music, and quiet reflection on our history and joy. It’s a day for pride, connection, and remembering that Black freedom is worth honoring every single year.” –  Ki and Tye (Bloggers), Black Girls Black World

“This Juneteenth, we celebrate by hosting a potluck featuring dishes from Black chefs and food bloggers. It’s a delicious way to support Black-owned businesses and explore the rich culinary traditions of the African diaspora. We also share stories and discuss the historical significance of Juneteenth while enjoying the food.” – Juntae DeLane (Founder, Speaker, Podcaster), Digital Delane

Embrace self care 

“A meaningful way to honor Juneteenth at home is by lighting our Affirmation Effect candles during a quiet moment of reflection. Each candle is inscribed with empowering messages like “I am enough,” “I am strong,” or “I am loved,” serving as a gentle reminder of the resilience and strength within the Black community. As the flame flickers, it creates a serene ambiance that encourages introspection and gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy today. This simple ritual not only honors the past but also inspires hope and unity for the future.” – Allister and Denise Hill (Founders), Affirmation Effect LLC

“Celebrating Juneteenth at home is also about honoring Black resilience, beauty, and self-care. One meaningful way to do that is by creating space for rest and restoration. We offer healing skin oils and aromatherapy products thoughtfully designed with melanin-rich skin in mind. These aren’t just skincare items—they’re rituals of self-love that reconnect us to ancestral traditions of nourishment, scent, and healing. Supporting Black-owned wellness brands like Aloe Curves is a powerful way to celebrate freedom, legacy, and holistic wellness from the comfort of your own home.” – Isha Gaines (Holistic Therapist, M.Ed, LPC), Aloe Curves

“Juneteenth is always deeply personal, and it also falls on my birthday. My mom and I typically celebrate with intentional acts of self-care. We curate an in-home spa day and pamper ourselves with QW Self Care products. This includes face steaming, deep moisturizing, and creating moments of stillness and laughter to reflect on how far we’ve come. I love family time as it feels like we are also honoring those we’ve lost, as many of our products are rooted in recipes passed down from my grandmother, who believed that clear skin was possible for everyone.” – Alma Williams (Co-owner), Quarterman Williams LLC

Wear a Juneteenth inspired outfit 

“Juneteenth for me is all about celebrating freedom, culture, and community in the most vibrant way possible. I always put together a bold, Afro-futurism-inspired outfit—think bright colors, daring patterns, and statement pieces—and head to a block party in Brooklyn with my friends. There’s nothing like soaking in the music, food, and pure joy while honoring our history and looking toward an even brighter future. It’s my way of expressing pride and creativity while connecting with my roots.” – Lorane Rhoden (CEO), Haute People

We hope this article helps you learn more about the holiday and gives you some inspiration for celebrating at home. Juneteenth is a time to reflect, celebrate, and come together. Whether you’re hosting a cookout, sharing stories, making traditional dishes, or supporting Black-owned businesses, find a way to gather and honor the day in a way that’s meaningful to you.

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