As we celebrate Juneteenth, the day that marks the end of slavery in the United States, it's important to reflect on the journey that African Americans have taken to freedom. Music has always been a powerful tool for storytelling and protest, and there are many songs that capture the spirit of Juneteenth and the black experience in America. 

Here are 10 of the best.

1. "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by James Weldon Johnson

This song, also known as the Black National Anthem, was written in 1900 to commemorate Abraham Lincoln's birthday. It has since become a powerful anthem for the African American community, celebrating black history and culture.

2."Strange Fruit" by Billie Holiday

This haunting song, written by Abel Meeropol in 1937, tells the story of a lynching in the American South. Holiday's performance of the song is a searing indictment of racism and violence against black people.

3. "Freedom" by Richie Havens

Havens' stirring rendition of this traditional folk song, which he performed at the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair, became an anthem for the counterculture movement of the 1960s. The lyrics speak to the universal desire for freedom, making it a fitting song for Juneteenth.

4. "A Change is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke

Cooke's 1964 hit, which was inspired by the Civil Rights Movement, is a hopeful ode to the promise of change. The song became an instant classic, and has been covered by many artists over the years.

5. "Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud" by James Brown

This 1968 track was written in response to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Brown's defiant message of black pride and unity helped to empower a generation of African Americans.

6. "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye

Gaye's 1971 masterpiece is a soulful rumination on the social and political turmoil of the early 1970s. The song's message of peace, love, and understanding is as relevant today as it was 50 years ago.

7. "Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos" by Public Enemy

This hard-hitting track from Public Enemy's 1988 album It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back features frontman Chuck D rhyming over a sample of the soundtrack to the film The Matrix. The song is an impassioned call to action for black people in America.

8. "Freedom! '90" by George Michael

This 1990 hit by George Michael was originally written as a protest against the commercialization of music. However, the song's message of freedom and empowerment resonated with many people, making it a fitting anthem for Juneteenth.

9. "Alright" by Kendrick Lamar

This 2015 track from Lamar's album To Pimp a Butterfly is a powerful ode to the strength and resilience of the African American community. The song's positive message and uplifting groove make it a perfect choice for Juneteenth celebrations.

10. "Freedom" by Beyoncé

This 2016 song, which features rapper Kendrick Lamar, is a call to action for people of all colors to stand up against oppression. Beyoncé's anthemic performance of the song at the 2017 Grammy Awards was a powerful moment in the fight for equality.