[Op-Ed] Renditions of ‘Go Down Moses‘ at Passover Seders often problematically compare cultural memory and mythos of the Jewish people to the historical and contemporary trauma of Black people, ignoring that Negro spirituals cloaked in biblical allusion were a tradition of necessity.

The lynching death of a 14-year-old black boy in Mississippi awakened the country to the horrors of racism

Award-winning writer and illustrator Floyd Cooper has created a book that is appropriate for young learners looking to understand the history and customs of Juneteenth. As Mazie settles into bed, her father tells her about the celebrations that will happen tomorrow on Juneteenth by starting with family history and the story forward through 2015, the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth. The customs and traditions of the holiday are also explained. Ages: 4-9 years of age

Inspired by a true account, here is the compelling story of a child who arrives in America on the slave ship Amistad—and eventually makes her way home to Africa. Narrated in a remarkable first-person voice, this fictionalized book of memories of a real-life figure retells history through the eyes of a child. Lush, full-color illustrations by Robert Byrd, plus archival photographs and documents, bring an extraordinary journey to life.

Telling the story of a movement set in the context of 200 years of history, in 127 minutes means that inevitably some of the lines between history and myth will be blurred.

June 19th, 1865, began as another hot day in Texas. Enslaved African Americans worked in fields, in barns, and in the homes of the white people who owned them. Then a message arrived. Freedom! Slavery had ended! The Civil War had actually ended in April. It took two months for word to reach Texas. Still the joy of that amazing day has never been forgotten. Every year, people all over the United States come together on June 19th to celebrate the end of slavery. Join in the celebration of Juneteenth, a day to remember and honor freedom for all people.