Helping Kids Understand Freedom and Celebration
Hey there, scholars! 👋 Have you ever heard of Juneteenth? It’s a special day in American history — kind of like a second Independence Day — and it’s especially important to many Black families across the country.
Let’s take a little journey back in time to understand what Juneteenth is all about.
🌎 A Long Time Ago…
More than 150 years ago, in some parts of the United States, Black people were not free. They were enslaved and forced to work without being paid, and they couldn’t leave or make their own choices. That was very unfair and wrong.
But in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln made a big decision. He signed the Emancipation Proclamation, a law that said all enslaved people must be set free.
🚨 But Not Everyone Knew…
Even though the law was passed, not everyone followed it right away. It took two more years for the news to reach every state — especially faraway places like Texas.
On June 19, 1865, a U.S. Army General named Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and told everyone:
“All enslaved people are FREE.”
The people celebrated with hugs, dancing, singing, and prayers. That’s why we call this day Juneteenth — a mix of “June” and “nineteenth.”
🎉 How Do People Celebrate Juneteenth Today?
Juneteenth is a day to:
- Celebrate freedom
- Remember the struggles Black Americans faced
- Share stories, music, and history
- Eat yummy food like BBQ, watermelon, and red drinks (red symbolizes strength!)
- Spend time with family and community
It’s also a time to keep learning about fairness and how we can treat each other kindly and equally.
❤️ What Can Kids Do?
You can celebrate Juneteenth by:
- Drawing a picture of freedom 🖍️
- Reading books about Black heroes 📚
- Asking your family about your history 👨🏾👩🏾👧🏾
- Saying something kind to someone new 💬
📢 A Parent’s Tip:
Let your kids know that Juneteenth isn’t just a history lesson — it’s a celebration of hope, courage, and community. Remind them that freedom should always be fair for everyone and that learning history helps us build a better future.
Remember:
We celebrate Juneteenth to honor the past, understand the present, and inspire a brighter future. 🌟
Be Kind. Be Smart. 
