What Juneteenth Means: Honoring Black Freedom and Mental Health

Learn more about BIPOC Therapy.

In This Blog, You’ll Learn:

✅ What Juneteenth is and how it affects daily life
✅ Myths vs. facts about Juneteenth and mental health
✅ Types or signs of mental health stress in Black communities
✅ Common thought patterns that worsen racial stress
✅ Coping skills for Black mental health
✅ How therapy helps with Black mental health needs
✅ Why Black Lives Matter in therapy spaces
✅ The importance of elevating Black voices and Black therapists
✅ Where to find the best therapy for Black mental health near you

What Is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is the day when the last group of enslaved Black people learned they were free

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when the last group of enslaved Black people in the United States—in Galveston, Texas—were finally informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
It marks the moment when the promise of freedom finally reached those who had been kept in bondage the longest.
The word “Juneteenth” is a blend of “June” and “nineteenth,” and it has become a powerful symbol of freedom, remembrance, and Black resilience.

Why Does Juneteenth Matter?

Juneteenth is a celebration of Black freedom, it’s also a powerful reminder of how long justice was delayed and how far we’ve come, and still have to go.

It’s a day filled with joy, pain, reflection, and strength, all wrapped into one meaningful moment in American history.
Juneteenth is not just a historical milestone, it’s a deeply emotional reminder of intergenerational trauma, resilience, and the ongoing journey toward liberation.
This is why Black mental health is essential to honor, not just on Juneteenth 2025, but every day.

As BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month approaches in July, it’s especially important to recognize the unique challenges Black communities face in accessing and receiving culturally competent, identity-affirming care.

Celebrating Juneteenth as an Ally

You may be wondering, “Can I celebrate Juneteenth if I’m not Black?” The answer is YES!

With humility, respect, and a willingness to listen, learn, and uplift.
Juneteenth is a celebration of Black freedom, but it is also a call to collective awareness, remembrance, and justice.
Being an ally means more than showing up one day a year.
It means recognizing that freedom for one of us means freedom for all of us, and that supporting Black mental health, elevating Black voices, and advocating for systemic change are year-round commitments.

As a non-Black ally, you can:

Attend Juneteenth events to listen, honor, and learn—not to center yourself but to stand in solidarity
Support Black-owned businesses, mental health providers, and advocacy organizations
Speak out against racial injustice, even when it’s uncomfortable
Learn the history—understand why Juneteenth is important, how Juneteenth started, and what Juneteenth commemorates
Advocate for equitable access to culturally competent care, especially for Black clients and therapists

Celebrating Juneteenth as an ally is not about taking space, it’s about holding space. It's about standing with Black communities in the pursuit of justice, joy, and collective healing.

Myths and Facts About Juneteenth and Mental Health

Myth: Juneteenth only matters in Texas.
✅ Fact: Juneteenth is celebrated nationwide and holds emotional and historical importance across all Black communities.
Myth: Juneteenth isn’t a “real” holiday.
✅ Fact: Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021. Yes, Juneteenth is a federal holiday. While questions like “Will Juneteenth be cancelled?” or “Can Juneteenth be repealed?” appear online, this day reflects a truth too important to erase.
Myth: Therapy isn’t for Black people.
✅ Fact: Therapy is a powerful tool for healing racial trauma, unpacking generational pain, and reclaiming mental wellness.
Myth: It’s unprofessional to take Juneteenth off.
✅ Fact: Many workplaces now recognize Juneteenth. If you're asking, “Can I take Juneteenth off?” or “Can I celebrate Juneteenth at work?”, know that honoring this day is part of reclaiming your history and wellness.

Signs of Mental Health Stress in Black Communities

Mental health stress can show up in many ways—some of which may be subtle or misinterpreted. For Black individuals, these signs are often shaped by systemic racism, cultural stigmas, and generational trauma. Below are key symptoms to be aware of, along with guidance on where to seek support:

Hypervigilance or chronic anxiety due to societal or racial stressors
Constantly feeling on alert or “on guard” in daily life
Trouble relaxing or sleeping due to perceived threats or fear of discrimination
Physical tension, restlessness, or a racing heart even when nothing is “wrong”
Learn more about therapy for anxiety and stress

Emotional numbness or avoidance of painful cultural or historical conversations
Feeling disconnected or “shut down” emotionally
Avoiding news, social media, or discussions about racial injustice or identity
Struggling to name or express emotions like sadness, anger, or fear
Learn more about trauma therapy and PTSD support

Depression masked as irritability, fatigue, or hopelessness
Losing motivation or interest in things that used to bring joy
Feeling tired all the time, regardless of rest
Expressing anger, frustration, or detachment more often than sadness
Learn more about therapy for depression

Fear of being misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or unheard by healthcare systems
Avoiding therapy or medical appointments out of distrust
Feeling the need to “code-switch” or hide parts of your identity to be taken seriously
Believing that no one will truly understand your lived experience

How to Cope With Black Mental Health Stress

If you recognize any of the above signs in yourself or someone close to you, it may be time to explore support. Therapy can help you reclaim safety, express your truth, and find healing rooted in your identity and resilience.

Find a Therapist Who Gets It
Seek out therapists who understand racial identity, cultural nuance, and systemic oppression. Working with someone who shares your lived understanding—or honors it—can make all the difference.
Celebrate Culture Through Community
Join community events that uplift Black culture and history. Yes, Juneteenth is celebrated through parades, cookouts, music, and remembrance that nourish both spirit and connection.
Affirm Yourself Daily
Practice regular self-affirmation and self-compassion. Speak to yourself with kindness, especially in moments when the world doesn’t.
Protect Your Peace
Reduce exposure to trauma-triggering media, especially when it centers violence or discrimination. Set limits on your news intake without disengaging from truth.
Seek Out and Create Safe Spaces
Prioritize emotional safety in your relationships—whether through therapy, chosen family, friend groups, or community centers. You deserve to feel seen and supported.
Set Boundaries That Honor Your Worth
Normalize saying no and setting boundaries in spaces that challenge your identity. You don’t have to explain or justify protecting your peace.
Educate Yourself as Empowerment
Learn about how Juneteenth started and what Juneteenth means. Reclaiming history is a powerful step in reclaiming identity and agency.

How Therapy Helps With Black Mental Health

Therapy offers a safe, affirming space for Black individuals to process racial trauma, connect with their roots, and practice emotional wellness in a world that often invalidates their experience. At Mountains Therapy, we believe Black mental health is Black liberation.

We also stand firmly in the belief that Black Lives Matter. This is not just a statement, it is a commitment to racial justice, human dignity, and the urgent need to dismantle systems that harm Black individuals and communities. Mental health care is one way we honor that truth. Seeking therapy can be a radical act of self-preservation and healing in a society where Black lives have too often been marginalized, overlooked, or endangered.

Equally important is the work of elevating Black voices and supporting Black therapists. Representation in therapy helps break generational barriers to mental health access and ensures clients feel seen, heard, and understood. We advocate for greater visibility, equity, and leadership among Black mental health professionals and encourage clients to seek practitioners who reflect their identity and values.

We use a trauma-informed, identity-affirming approach that centers your truth, your history, and your future. Your life, voice, and mental health matter here, always.

Our Therapy Services

At Mountains Therapy, we offer a range of services to support your healing and growth—whether you're seeking support individually, with a partner, or as a family. We also offer the flexibility of secure, HIPAA-compliant online sessions.

Individual Therapy NJ
One-on-one sessions to explore your emotions, challenges, identity, and personal goals in a safe, supportive space.
Couples Therapy NJ
For couples seeking to strengthen communication, repair trust, navigate transitions, or deepen emotional intimacy.
Family Therapy NJ
Inclusive sessions that help families navigate conflict, improve understanding, and strengthen bonds across generations.
Online Therapy NJ
Convenient, private telehealth sessions available for clients in New Jersey, North Carolina, Florida, and Utah—ideal for those needing flexibility or remote access to care.

Types of Therapy We Use for Black Mental Health Support

If you've been wondering "How do you help someone struggling with racial stress or identity issues? Begin with compassionate, nonjudgmental listening. Encourage them to connect with a therapist who provides culturally affirming care and validate the reality of racialized trauma. Here are the differnt types of therapy treatments options we offer:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – ACT therapist for BIPOC:
Validates difficult emotions while guiding you toward empowered, values-driven living.

Attachment-Based Therapy – Attachment-Based therapist for BIPOC:
Explores how early bonds and racial dynamics impact current relationships and trust.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – CBT therapist for BIPOC:
Challenges internalized beliefs shaped by racial trauma and reframes harmful thought patterns.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy – DBT therapist for BIPOC:
Teaches emotional regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness in high-stress environments.

Emotionally Focused Therapy – EFT therapist for BIPOC:
Strengthens emotional bonds and attachment within personal, family, or partner relationships.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy – Mindfulness therapist for BIPOC:
Enhances present-moment awareness and reduces stress through culturally relevant mindful practices.

Narrative Therapy – Narrative therapist for BIPOC:
Helps you re-author your personal and cultural story through the lens of strength, survival, and resilience.

Psychodynamic Therapy – Psychodynamic therapist for BIPOC:
Explores unconscious emotional patterns and how historical and generational trauma impact identity and relationships.

Solution-Focused Therapy – SFT therapist for BIPOC:
Highlights resilience, cultural strength, and goal-setting to create immediate, meaningful change.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – TF-CBT therapist for BIPOC:
Specifically supports youth and adults in processing racialized trauma, generational pain, and historical injustice.

FAQs About Juneteenth and Black Mental Health

Q: Will Juneteenth be celebrated in 2025? When is Juneteenth in 2025?

A: Yes. Juneteenth 2025 falls on Thursday, June 19th, and will be recognized as a federal holiday in the United States.

Q: When did Juneteenth become a national holiday?

A: Juneteenth became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed it into law. The day commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

Q: Which president signed Juneteenth into law?

A: President Joe Biden officially signed Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021, following decades of advocacy.

Q: Why Juneteenth and not Emancipation Day?

A: Emancipation Day refers to the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when that news finally reached enslaved people in Texas. It represents the real, lived experience of delayed justice and has become a day of remembrance, community, and healing.

Q: What are Juneteenth colors?

A: The traditional Juneteenth colors are red, black, green, and blue. These colors represent the African diaspora, resilience, liberation, and the American flag modified to reflect Black freedom.

Q: Can I celebrate Juneteenth even if I’m not Black?

A: Yes. If you're asking, “Can I celebrate Juneteenth?” the answer is yes, with respect, education, and a willingness to honor its roots. Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom and justice, and allies are welcome to support and amplify Black voices.

Q: Will Juneteenth remain a federal holiday?

A: As of now, yes. While questions like “Will Juneteenth be removed as a federal holiday?” or “Will Juneteenth be cancelled?” appear online, there is no indication of repeal. Juneteenth continues to gain recognition and importance nationwide. Many people are asking these after the recent changes after the trump administration, which has increased trump anxiety and trump stress.

Q: Where did the name Juneteenth come from?

A: The word Juneteenth is a blend of "June" and "nineteenth," marking the day enslaved people in Texas were finally informed of their freedom in 1865.

Q: How do you pronounce Juneteenth?

A: It's pronounced “June-teenth” just like saying “June” and “nineteenth” together.

Q: Can Juneteenth affect direct deposit?
A: If your bank closes for the federal holiday, deposits may be delayed. Check with your bank directly to confirm payment schedules.

Q: Can Juneteenth be taught in schools?

A: Yes! Teaching what Juneteenth celebrates and why Juneteenth is important fosters historical awareness, racial justice, and inclusivity for all students.

Q: What’s closed on Juneteenth?

A: Many federal offices, some banks (“Are banks closed on Juneteenth?” Yes), public schools, and government-run institutions may be closed. Some markets, businesses, or private offices may remain open depending on location and policies.

You Are Not Alone!

You don’t have to carry this alone. Whether you’re asking “Can I celebrate Juneteenth?”, wondering “Why Juneteenth instead of Emancipation Day?”, or simply exploring what Juneteenth means to me, Mountains Therapy in Montclair, NJ is here to honor your voice and help you heal. Therapy is your birthright. Liberation includes your mental health. Serving Montclair, NJ and offering online therapy across NJ, NC, FL & UT