What is JuneteeNth?

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived at Galveston, Texas, bringing news to the town that the Civil War had ended and that all slaves were free. This was nearly two and a half years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Before long, the former slaves in southeastern Texas began to celebrate June 19 as Emancipation Day. Eventually, they shortened the name to Juneteenth. The day was recognized as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, when President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.

Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas, a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.

why is it important to us?

Juneteenth has been celebrated for over 100 years, but awareness of the holiday has grown to the larger population only in the last decade. We should be aware and celebrate this important date in African-American history not only on June 19th, but year round. We want to make sure we do our part to let people know that black lives matter every day. However we want to share some extra support to some great Altanta organizations on this particular day.

How is Souper Jenny celebrating?

Juneteenth is on a Sunday this year and most of our shops are closed. So, please join us for lunch on Monday, June 20th!

That day 30% of our sales from all 5 Souper Jenny locations will be donated to THREE different organizations in recognition of Juneteenth.

~ BUY BLACK ATL

Buy Black ATL is a platform dedicated to strengthening the network of Black-owned businesses and creatives in the Metro Atlanta area. We aim to help circulate revenue within our community through social media promotion, providing informational resources, community service and fundraising.

~ PEACE PREP ACADEMY

Established in 2015 on the west side of Atlanta, Peace Preparatory Academy seeks to be a place that educates the whole child, supports the whole family, and provides growth and change opportunities for the whole community in a high quality learning environment.

The neighborhoods that were once home to the likes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Correta Scott King, as well as Andrew Young and other notable leaders is a short walk from Peace Prep. Other notable landmarks include the English Avenue Elementary School, which was the first school on the west side of town where African American children could attend school all day, and its’ notable pupils include Gladys Knight, Maynord Jackson, and Herman Cain.

~ HOUSING JUSTICE LEAGUE

Housing Justice League is a community-led organization made up of long-time residents, community stakeholders, homeowners and renters. We believe that housing is a human right regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, economic background, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or immigration status.

Our mission supports communities facing mass displacement enabled by oppressive and unjust housing policies that intentionally exploit and segregate communities by race and class. Housing Justice League works with communities to collectively understand and act in our shared interests. We understand that liberation will only come about through collective organizing within communities most affected by injustice and oppression that empowers them politically and builds autonomy.