Books to Read for Juneteenth

by Donna Huber

Probably before Juneteenth was made a federal holiday in 2021, many people hadn't heard of it (I hadn't). The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act made it an official federal holiday. My state has also added it as a state holiday so I have the day off. For those who might not be familiar with what Juneteenth is - it commemorates the day in 1865 when the slaves in Texas were declared free (more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation). Here is a list of books to read to celebrate Juneteenth. Don't worry; it isn't all history books.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. 

The Talking Drum by Lisa Braxton ~ a Review

by MK French

In 1971 Bellport, Massachusetts, an urban development project is put together to transform the dying downtown area. Many people decide to step away from stressful jobs to try opening shops in this new downtown. Petite Africa is a tightknit and lively neighborhood across the river, and it starts to go up in flames. Residents are at odds over the arsonists, the upcoming demolition date, gentrification of the neighborhoods, and the feeling that politics are reaching too far into their lives.