This Thursday I’m all about curating the perfect Juneteenth vibes to celebrate the Emancipation and liberation of enslaved Black Americans in Texas. What better way to reflect on where we’ve come from, where we are, and where we need to go than to utilize art, literature and entertainment to evoke emotion, and inspire introspection. Listed below are some of the media and entertainment that I’m gravitating towards and will be enjoying as I celebrate. If you’re looking for some ideas for your celebrations feel free to add them to your festivities.
📚Books that Deliver the Perfect Juneteenth Vibes
On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon Reed
Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books A Million
As a professor of history and law Gordon-Reed uses her unique knowledge to chronicle the long road to Juneteenth. She provides insight into its origins and how Black Americans have struggled throughout the century that followed. From the trials in the Reconstruction era to Jim Crow and beyond. It’s a quick read but definitely an important one and ideal for those that want to learn more about the history of Juneteenth.
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books A Million
The combination of the time travel elements intermixed with depictions of the antebellum South make this a must have for every Juneteenth TBR. As a modern Black woman finds herself transported back into slavery literally and metaphorically. Additionally, the fact that this is the first Sci-fi novel to be published by a Black woman is an extra boon.
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
This literary classic explores the resilience of a young woman throughout time as she faces racism, sexual assault, and must learn from these experiences as she forges a path towards self-love and acceptance. This novel deftly unpacks the damaging and lasting impact of trauma and the non-linear journey towards healing.
💿Albums Serving Juneteenth Vibes
To Pimp A Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar
Immediately, yes. This album is a smash up of Black gospel-jazz-funk-rap and combined create a symphony that is not just vibe worthy but worthy of introspection and reflection. This is Black pain, pride, and power amplified.
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Lauryn Hill
Listen, this album healed pieces of me I didn’t know were broken! I remember jamming to this in my teens and not just vibing with the soulful music and vocals. But, feeling affirmed and seen by the raw truth conveyed in her lyrics. It’s the epitome of Black womanhood, love and healing.
Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder
There’s something about Stevie Wonder’s music that gives you chills and make you want to simultaneously cry and laugh joyously. So, of course this has to be added in the music rotation.
Black Radio by Robert Glasper
While I haven’t had the oppurtunity to exprience this album personally the many reviews praising it have me exctied to give it a listen. Described as a slick fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and soul that when combined creates Black excellence. This is the mood to encapsulate for Juneteenth and beyond!
🎶An Epic Juneteenth Playlist Full of Liberation, Love and Legacy
🔥 Freedom & Resistance Anthems:
- Alright” – Kendrick LamarA modern spiritual. Feels like church and protest in the same breath.
- “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” – James BrownA classic declaration of pride that never stops hitting.
- “A Change Is Gonna Come” – Sam CookeSoul that echoes centuries.
- “Black Rage” – Lauryn HillRaw. Powerful. Unflinching.
- “Freedom” – Beyoncé feat. Kendrick LamarJuneteenth in one track. Fire and water. Rebirth.
💃🏾 Black Joy, Healing & Celebration:
- “Brown Skin Girl” – Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, SAINt JHN, WizkidA love letter to melanated beauty.
- “Optimistic” – Sounds of BlacknessFor when your spirit needs lifting.
- “Golden” – Jill ScottPure sunshine and self-love.
- “Blessed” – Jill ScottSay it out loud, again and again.
- “Black Parade” – BeyoncéIt’s literally a Juneteenth release. It belongs.
🎉 Cookout & Vibe Essentials:
- “Before I Let Go” – Frankie Beverly & Maze (or Bey’s version)The cookout doesn’t start until this plays.
- “Do It” – Chloe x HalleTwo-step real smooth.
- “Electric Slide” – Marcia GriffithsYou know the drill. Don’t act brand new.
- “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” – Whitney HoustonYes. Always.
- “Rock Steady” – Aretha FranklinYou can feel the freedom in the funk.
Feel free to enjoy at your celebration or gathering you can find it on Apple Music and Spotify.
🎬 Juneteenth Watchlist: Black Stories, Black Power, Black Futures
📚 Historical & Educational Must-Watch
- 13th (Ava DuVernay) – Essential. Devastating. Brilliant.
- Eyes on the Prize – The documentary series every American should see.
- High on the Hog (Netflix) – Black food history as a form of survival, culture, and love.
- Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America – Truthful, stirring, and vital.
🖤 Narratives of Black Struggle, Resilience, and Triumph
- Selma (Ava DuVernay) – Civil rights history with aching relevance.
- Malcolm X (Spike Lee) – A three-hour masterpiece. Denzel. Enough said.
- Till (2022) – Hard but necessary. It honors Mamie Till-Mobley’s bravery and love.
- One Night in Miami (Regina King) – Fictionalized brilliance based on real icons in conversation.
🎉 Celebrating Black Culture & Joy
- The Wiz (1978) – Pure soul and style. A Black cinematic classic.
- Love & Basketball (Gina Prince-Bythewood) – Because love stories matter too.
- Black Panther (Ryan Coogler) – A superhero movie but also a cultural revolution.
- Summer of Soul (Questlove) – A musical time capsule that should have been history class.
- Insecure (HBO series) – For the awkward Black girls who grew into their glow.
🎭 Indie, Poetic, and Experimental Gems
- Daughters of the Dust (Julie Dash) – Dreamy, haunting, essential.
- If Beale Street Could Talk (Barry Jenkins) – A love story dipped in moonlight and melancholy.
- Moonlight (Barry Jenkins) – Groundbreaking. Soft, strong, unforgettable.
If you’re throwing a gathering with close friends and family consider including a poetry reading and reciting the works of powerful poets such as Langston Hughes, Amanda Gormon, Maya Angelou etc. This can bring the insightful and reflective vibes to create a meaningful and fun celebration.
Let me know what your plans for Juneteenth are and wishing everyone a safe, and joyful Juneteenth!
