14 Juneteenth Quotes

June 19th is a day of remembrance of the emancipation of Black people in the US. A day to celebrate freedom. A day that deserves to be honored by all. Here are some voices that inspire us today and every day.

"Today on Juneteenth, the day we celebrate the end of slavery, the day we memorialize those who offered us hope for the future and the day when we renew our commitment to the struggle for freedom.” —Angela Davis

"Juneteenth may mark just one moment in the struggle for emancipation, but the holiday gives us an occasion to reflect on the profound contributions of enslaved Black Americans to the cause of human freedom.” —Jamelle Bouie

"We all require and want respect, man or woman, Black or white. It's our basic human right." - Aretha Franklin

"Black liberation has never just been about Black people. It’s been about a fight for our humanity, for our dignity." — Patrisse Cullors

“Every Black person you meet is a miracle... We are valuable because of our humanity and declared valuable because our ancestors declared our worth when they fought for us to live.” —Brittany Packnett

"I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept." ― Angela Davis

“Even though the story has never been tidy, and Black folks have had to march and fight for every inch of our freedom, our story is nonetheless one of progress.” —Michelle Obama

"Human rights are something you were born with. Human rights are your God-given rights. Human rights are the rights that are recognized by all nations of this earth." — Malcolm X

"Every year we must remind successive generations that this event triggered a series of events that one by one defines the challenges and responsibilities of successive generations. That's why we need this holiday." —Al Edwards

"Words of Emancipation didn't arrive until the middle of June so they called it Juneteenth. So that was it, the night of Juneteenth celebration, his mind went on. The celebration of a gaudy illusion." —Ralph Ellison

“Struggle is a never ending process. Freedom is never really won, you earn it and win it in every generation.” —Coretta Scott King

“Understanding history is one of many ways to break the cycle. Lift up/amplify Black voices. Support Black owned businesses. Reach back. Mentor.” —Chadwick Boseman

“There’s no other race, to me, that has such a tough history for hundreds and hundreds of years, and only the strong survive, so we were the strongest and the most mentally tough, and I’m really proud to wear this color every single day of my life.”—Serena Williams

“I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free… so other people would be also free.” —Rosa Parks