About this Collection
About
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Join Asnuntuck Library in celebrating Juneteenth, also known as Jubilee Day, by exploring this mini collection of books, audiobooks, films, music, and state-wide events commemorating Black freedom from enslavement. Learn more about the history and significance of Juneteenth from the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture's Google Arts and Culture site titled, “The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth.” Our collection includes books you can borrow from the Asnuntuck Library and from the libraries in the CSCU consortium (i.e., the 12 Community Colleges, 4 Connecticut State Universities, and the CT State Library).
In honor of Black Music Month, we have included a special Juneteenth Spotify playlist curated by the Raymond F. Damato Library. Be sure to check it out! This virtual collection ends with a hyperlinked list of local Juneteenth celebrations. You can also commemorate Jubilee Day by visiting local Black Heritage Trails and supporting Connecticut-based Black-owned businesses via ShopBlackCT.
Asnuntuck Library Books
"From Slavery to Freedom"
Historical Fiction
Black Joy & Resilience
Films
Films
Talks
CBS News: Henry Louis Gates Jr. on the significance and history of Juneteenth
Harvard Business School: The Importance of Juneteenth
NMAAHC: Juneteenth Discussion with Kelly Navies
TED: What is Juneteenth, and why is it important? - Karlos K. Hill and Soraya Field Fiorio
The Root: This Is Why Juneteenth Is Important for America
VOX: Why all Americans should honor Juneteenth
Podcasts
Podcast Episodes
Music
Librarian Curated Spotify Playlist
Events
note
NOTE: Events are listed in alphabetical order by geographic location.
Danbury
2025 Annual Danbury Juneteenth Celebration
June 21st, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Free
2025 ANNUAL DANBURY JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION: Please join us for the 2025 Annual Danbury Juneteenth Celebration where our theme is “Thriving Together, Empowering Community: Faith. Family. Freedom.”
This year’s celebration will be a two-day Extravaganza including:
1) Pre-Celebration Concert featuring LIVE R&B Music by The Men of Soul
Friday, June 20, from 7-9 p.m.
On the CityCenter Green
1 Ives St., Danbury
Co-sponsored by CityCenter Danbury
2) 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 21, from noon-5 p.m.
WCSU Midtown campus
181 Main St., Danbury
East Hartford
Juneteenth Community Celebration
June 15th, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Free
East Hartford, CT – The Town of East Hartford, in collaboration with East Hartford Public Library, East Hartford Parks & Recreation, the Commission on Culture and Fine Arts, and the East Hartford Black Caucus invite you to attend the town’s fourth annual Juneteenth Celebration.
The event will take place on Saturday, June 14th from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, at the East Hartford Town Green, 1047 Main Street. Admission is FREE.
Enfield
Juneteenth Festival 2025
June 21st, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM | Free
Our annual Juneteenth Festival 2025 is fast approaching. More information on fun and exciting happenings coming soon. See you on the Town Green.
Location: Enfield Town Hall Green, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield CT 06082
New Britain
Access for All Community Day | Juneteenth
June 21st, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Free
Join us for the NBMAA’s 24th Annual Juneteenth Celebration! This day-long event features artistic performances, music, in-gallery experiences, and of course artmaking. Shop from local Black-owned businesses, support independent artists, and grab a bite from regional food trucks. Continue the celebration with cocktails and music in the Museum in the evening!
Location: New Britain Museum of American Art - 56 Lexington Street, New Britain, CT 06052