The History of Juneteenth In Idaho

Juneteenth marks a pivotal moment in American history, when on June 19, 1865, U.S. forces entered Galveston, the last remaining Confederate stronghold, and General Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3, proclaiming that all slaves in Texas were now free. Despite President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation being issued over two years prior, it took time and effort to realize the liberation of all enslaved people across the country. Slaveholders were determined to resist emancipation for as long as possible, and Union forces could only gradually liberate slaves as they gained control over more territory in the South.

Juneteenth has been celebrated as a day of freedom and liberation since the first one in 1866.

For black communities across the United States, Juneteenth has been celebrated as a day of freedom and liberation since the first one in 1866. Typically, Juneteenth celebrations are marked by cookouts, barbecues, and other forms of community gatherings that celebrate Black culture and freedom. In 2021, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday.

In Boise, Idaho, the first city-wide Juneteenth celebration was started by Ms. Shari Barber in the 1990s. Her vision was to bring the community together to celebrate freedom and unity. Since then, Juneteenth celebrations feature cookouts or barbecue celebrations, in addition to smaller community celebrations around the state.

Most recently, in the midst of the pandemic and the George Floyd protests, The Black Liberation Collective, a group of Black trans community organizers, started a book club and Black business showcase to celebrate Juneteenth. As the movement gained momentum, the group decided to organize a Juneteenth event that would bring together Black businesses, artists, and community advocates.

Juneteenth Idaho was formed in 2021, as a 501c3 non-profit

Since then, Juneteenth events have grown in size and impact, with hundreds of free meals, thousands of gifts, and tens of thousands of dollars in mutual aid given away to the community. Juneteenth Idaho was formed in 2021, as a 501c3 non-profit, with the aim of providing resources and support to Juneteenth celebrations across Idaho and the Inland Northwest. With the goal of empowering Idaho’s Black artists, community organizers, event planners, business owners, and volunteers to create their own Juneteenth Celebrations.

About Juneteenth Idaho

​​Juneteenth Idaho is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to supporting and uplifting Black communities throughout Idaho and the Inland Northwest. Our mission is to provide resources and support to Juneteenth celebrations across the state and to promote the historical significance of Juneteenth as a holiday that celebrates Black liberation and freedom.

Our events are designed by Black artists, businesses, and community leaders, and they prioritize the use of Idaho Black-owned businesses and restaurants. We believe that supporting and uplifting Black-owned businesses is a crucial part of creating a thriving and equitable community.

Since 2019, Juneteenth Idaho in conjunction with The Black Liberation Collective gave away over 5000+ free meals, distributed over $100,000 in mutual aid, as well as thousands of free gifts for the community.

We are proud to create events that are open to the public for free, and we are committed to making our events accessible and inclusive for Black folks as well as those with disabilities.

As a community-led organization, we are under the umbrella of the Indigenous Idaho Alliance and proudly follow a Indigenous lead model of organizing. We believe that by coming together to celebrate Juneteenth, in a way that centers and uplifts Black folks, we are creating a more connected, compassionate, and equitable community for all.