How to Write Your Own Juneteenth Message

While historical Juneteenth quotes carry immense weight, adding your own personal message makes your greeting even more meaningful. If you want to write an original wish but aren't sure where to start, try this simple formula to craft the perfect sentiment:

• Acknowledge the day: Start by naming the holiday and its historical significance. Recognizing the gravity of the occasion sets the right tone.
• Share a reflection: Mention a value associated with Juneteenth, such as freedom, resilience, community, or the ongoing pursuit of justice.
• Look to the future: End with a hopeful or uplifting sentiment that focuses on continued progress and unity.

Worked Examples

Here is how that formula looks in practice when put together:

• Example 1: "Happy Juneteenth! Today we honor the resilience of those who came before us and the heavy price paid for freedom. May we continue to work together toward a future of true equality."
• Example 2: "Wishing you a joyful Juneteenth. Let's take time today to celebrate freedom, honor our ancestors, and reflect on the journey ahead of us."

Juneteenth Etiquette and Timing

When sharing Juneteenth quotes or messages, a thoughtful approach is key to ensuring your words are received in the spirit they are intended.

• Timing: Juneteenth is officially celebrated on June 19 every year. In 2027, the federal observation falls on Friday, June 18. It is entirely appropriate to send messages, emails, or post on social media on either the observed Friday or the actual Saturday.
• Tone: The tone of Juneteenth is a unique blend of solemn remembrance and joyful celebration. It is a day to honor the end of slavery in the United States while also celebrating African American culture, family, and achievements. Your messages should reflect this balance—respectful of the painful history, yet uplifting and celebratory of the progress made.
• Audience: Consider who you are addressing. A message to a close friend or family member might be more celebratory and casual, focusing on community and joy. Conversely, an email to colleagues or a broader professional network should remain professional, reflective, and focused on shared values of equality and justice.

What to Avoid

To ensure your Juneteenth messages are respectful and well-received, keep these guidelines in mind when drafting your texts or selecting quotes:

• Avoid commercializing the day: Juneteenth is a profound historical milestone. Avoid using the holiday merely as a promotional tool or tying it to unrelated sales or marketing campaigns. The focus should remain on history, freedom, and community.
• Don't alter historical quotes: When using quotes from historical figures like Ida B. Wells, Frederick Douglass, or Booker T. Washington, use their exact words. Misattributing or changing quotes diminishes their historical value and disrespects the author's original intent.
• Steer clear of toxic positivity: While hope is a central theme of the holiday, avoid glossing over the painful history of slavery and systemic racism. Acknowledge the struggle as well as the progress. True celebration comes from recognizing the full scope of the history.

Examples for Different Mediums

Depending on how you plan to share your Juneteenth wishes, the format and length of your message will vary. Here are a few ways to tailor your messages for different platforms:

For a Greeting Card

If you are sending a physical card or a thoughtful e-card, you have the space to be a bit more reflective. Pair a classic quote with a personal note.

"Happy Juneteenth. Today we remember the past, celebrate the progress, and commit to the work still ahead. Wishing you a day of reflection, joy, and peace with your loved ones."

For a Text Message

Text messages should be brief, warm, and to the point. They are perfect for reaching out to friends and family on the morning of the holiday.

"Happy Juneteenth! Taking time today to celebrate freedom and community. Hope you have a wonderful day surrounded by family!"

For an Email to Colleagues

Workplace communications should be inclusive and professional, focusing on the shared values that the holiday represents.

"Dear Team, As we observe Juneteenth, let us take a moment to reflect on the significance of this day in our nation's history. It is a time to honor the resilience of those who fought for freedom and to reaffirm our commitment to equality. Wishing you all a meaningful and reflective Juneteenth."

For Social Media

Social media posts can be visual and engaging. Pair a short quote with an image and a brief caption.

"Freedom is a journey, not just a destination. Today we celebrate Juneteenth and honor the ancestors who paved the way for the liberties we hold dear. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay"

Where these quotes come from

Every quote on this page was checked against the place it first appeared: the book, poem, play, speech, letter or, for scripture, the King James Version text. Harriet Tubman's words reach us through interviews written down by Sarah Bradford and Benjamin Drew; Bradford recorded her speech in dialect, and we give it in standard spelling. Wording, spelling and punctuation follow those sources, so older spellings such as "labour" or "honour" are left as printed.

We left out popular lines that circulate on quote sites but cannot be traced to anything the person actually wrote or said, such as "A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots," credited to Marcus Garvey with no traceable source, and the most famous version of Sojourner Truth's 1851 speech, which was rewritten by another author twelve years later. If a quote matters for a speech, a program or a printed card, the author line under each quote tells you which work to look it up in.