Juneteenth: Honoring Freedom, Celebrating Connection

Juneteenth didn’t become a federal holiday until 2021, but it has been honored by Black communities across the country for generations — through parades, cookouts, storytelling, music, and remembrance.

Juneteenth, celebrated every June 19th, marks a powerful turning point in American history. On this day in 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the freedom of enslaved African Americans — finally putting into effect what had been declared in 1863. Juneteenth stands not only as a celebration of freedom, but also as a moment of reflection, resilience, and continued progress.

Juneteenth and the Power of Connection

At its heart, Juneteenth is about more than history — it’s about community and connection. For generations, Black families and neighborhoods have used this day to reconnect with one another, pass down stories, and celebrate collective identity. It’s a day of joy, remembrance, and unity.

At SmarterHome.ai, our mission is to help people stay connected — to each other, to culture, and to the world around them. Whether it’s through high-speed internet that enables video calls with family, TV packages that bring Black storytelling into homes, mobile services that keep us in touch across generations, or home security systems that protect what matters — we believe in the power of connection.

We’re proud to support our customers with tools that help them live more connected lives, because building strong communities starts at home.

Media That Celebrates Black Stories

Looking to engage more deeply with Juneteenth or explore rich Black narratives in film and television? Here are some powerful media recommendations to watch, learn, and celebrate:

TV Series

• “High on the Hog” (Netflix) – A moving docuseries tracing the roots of African American cuisine through culture and history.
  
• “The 1619 Project” (Hulu) – An adaptation of the groundbreaking New York Times project that places slavery front and center in the origin and history of the United States.
  
• “Black-ish” (Hulu/Disney+) – A smart, funny, and culturally rich look at a modern Black family navigating life and legacy.
  

Films

• “Selma” (Amazon Prime) – A stirring portrayal of the 1965 voting rights march led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
  
• “13th” (Netflix) – Ava DuVernay’s documentary exploring the painful intersections of race, justice, and mass incarceration.
  
• “Hidden Figures” (Disney+/Amazon) – The inspiring story of three Black women who helped launch NASA’s space program.
  

Other Resources

• “Code Switch” (NPR Podcast) – Honest conversations about race and culture.
  
• Juneteenth.com – A resource hub with articles, history, and celebration guides.
  
• National Museum of African American History and Culture (nmaahc.si.edu) – Virtual exhibits, history timelines, and curated Juneteenth content.
  

What Is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom hard-won — and a call to continue building bridges through empathy, education, and connection. As we honor this holiday, we’re reminded that technology isn’t just about devices or data — it’s about the human connections they empower.

Whether you’re connecting with family, exploring powerful stories, or securing your home and future, SmarterHome.ai is here to help you stay informed, protected, and inspired — today and every day.