Celebrating Juneteenth in today’s racially polarized political climate can feel especially difficult. Juneteenth is often caught between remembrance, education, and our country’s ongoing public debate about race, history, equity, and who belongs.

For many people of African descent, what should be a day of reflection, celebration, and joy is increasingly complicated by political tension, attempts to minimize Black history, and the emotional weight of seeing hard-won progress questioned, rolled back or simply “erased”.

This environment can make it challenging to honor the “freedom” that Juneteenth represents while also acknowledging how much work remains. Even so, these difficulties can deepen the day’s significance, reminding communities that celebration and truth-telling often exist together.

Today, the New Hampshire Center for Justice & Equity celebrates Juneteenth by sharing resources, reflections, and community-led events taking place across the Granite State.