Why Juneteenth matters to Christians is not just a historical reflection, it’s a deeply spiritual one. From the very beginning, our scriptures tell the story of a God who hears the cries of the oppressed. In Exodus, God sees the suffering of the enslaved Israelites and says, “I have come down to deliver them.” In the Gospels, Jesus announces good news to the poor and release to the captives. And in Paul’s letters, we are reminded that “for freedom Christ has set us free.”
Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, the day when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It’s a holiday that celebrates freedom delayed, justice hard-won, and the ongoing work of liberation.
My friend, Rev. Bianca Howard, a Baptist minister in Atlanta, recently wrote a powerful piece for Illustrated Ministry titled Why Juneteenth Matters: Teaching Youth About Freedom and Liberation. While it’s geared toward helping young people understand this history, it’s a word we all need to hear.
She writes:
“Freedom and liberation for all humanity is God’s desire. Knowledge of Juneteenth helps reinforce God’s desire for all people to know freedom physically and spiritually.”
She reminds us that many of us never learned this history—not in schools, and often not in churches. That absence is part of the problem. To be a Christian committed to justice means we have to learn the truth of our nation’s past, teach it honestly, and work to build a more just future. Juneteenth invites us into that sacred task.
I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read Rev. Bianca’s full reflection. You can find it here: 👉 Why Juneteenth Matters: Teaching Youth About Freedom and Liberation
And then consider: How is your faith calling you to truth-telling and liberation today?
Because God’s work of liberation didn’t end in Exodus or 1865. It continues in us.
There are many ways to honor Juneteenth as both a celebration and a commitment to freedom. Consider attending one of these local events as a way to embody the values of justice, community, and joy. Celebrations kicks off with:
- Thursday, June 19 with The Juneteenth Jubilee Day Festival at the Ohio History Center, from 12:00 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- On Friday, June 20, join the Juneteenth Commemoration at Nicholson Auditorium from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Saturday, June 21 offers two great options:
- Juneteenth on the Avenue along Mt. Vernon Avenue from 12:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m.
- Juneteenth Block Party hosted by Mt. Olivet Baptist Church from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Close the weekend on Sunday, June 22 with Juneteenth 2025 at the Kelton House, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., featuring poetry, music, and food.
Also, on Sunday June 22, Brittany Porch will be leading a class at 9:30 in Palmer Hall, on Juneteenth and the prophet Elijah.
Whether you’re learning, celebrating, or building community—showing up matters.
Written by Brittany Porch.
