Celebrating Juneteenth and Freedom Day

In honor of Juneteenth, we would like to highlight the importance of equality and the history of the day. GrantWatch has provided 10 grants that can help to support the African American community.

What is Juneteenth?

Also known as Freedom Day, Juneteenth is a significant day of celebration on June 19th in the United States. The day holds immense historical importance, as it marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans within the U.S. In addition to being a Federal holiday since 2021, there has been a increase in states recognizing the day as an official public holiday. Juneteenth also provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the struggles endured, the progress made and the ongoing fight for equality. It is a time to acknowledge our shared history, as well as celebrate the triumph of freedom and acknowledge the contributions of African Americans to the fabric of our nation.

The Early Days of the Holiday

In 1980, Texas became the first state to make the holiday official, however, all across the United States, many people already had that view. In fact, Juneteenth has already been observed for more than one hundred years. For example, one of the earliest recorded commemorations took place in 1872. At that time, four members African-American community in Houston purchased 10 acres of land to establish what we now know as Emancipation Park. Subsequently, this group intended to use the park for the city’s first-ever Juneteenth celebration.

10 Grants to Support the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) Community

1. There are grants of up to $25,000 available for investigators to increase the diversity of online resources.
2. Grants are available to minority-serving IHEs (Institutions of Higher Education) to advance STEM research and education.
3. An opportunity is now open for women-led and Black-led startups to participate in an accelerator program.
4. Grants are available to mental health-related research projects conducted by diverse researchers.
5. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HCBU) can apply for grants to expand and enhance the education workforce. 
6. Grants available to medtech startups led by Black founders to participate in an accelerator program. 
7. Nonprofits, for-profits, tribal organizations and IHEs can apply for grants for research related to the homeownership gap. 
8. There are grants up to $10,000 to nonprofits to benefit diverse communities and reduce discrimination. 
9. Grants are available to nonprofits to advance diversity in the fields of entrepreneurship and investments.
10. An opportunity for technologists and students to participate in a social justice-related business development program.

Finally, if you are interested in similar grants, GrantWatch also features an entire category for BIPOC grants. Juneteenth is the only holiday that marks the end of slavery. This is why Marcella Campbell reminds us to remember that “if one of us is not free, none of us is free.” 

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