While the Emancipation Proclamation legally freed the enslaved African Americans in the Confederate States, the harsh reality is that freedom could not be enforced where the Confederates maintained control. As a result, it was not until June 19, 1865 that freedom was brought to the enslaved people in Texas. That day was celebrated and the freed African American Texans began calling June 19 "Juneteenth".

The National Museum of African American History & Culture refers to Juneteenth as American's second Independence Day. In celebration of this important date, we at Baker Book House want to uplift and honor the Black voices of the Church. In light of that, we welcome you explore the titles by Black authors below.