Juneteenth is observed on June 19 each year to celebrate Black history and freedom in the United States. The day has long been celebrated by different states, but only became a federal holiday in 2021 when former president Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.

The history of Juneteenth dates back to 1865. That’s when the U.S. Army arrived in Texas and declared the last people who were still enslaved to be free — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln.

Let’s start our Juneteenth celebration early by creating a special playlist.

So for today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs to celebrate Juneteenth would you like to hear?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

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Songs Played