Juneteenth
Do you remember how old you were when you learned about Juneteenth? How great that we can do better for our kids and teach them ALL of history.
If you are feeling like you need more education about Juneteenth, check out some of the resources below.
What is Juneteenth?
In 1863, during the American Civil War, Pres. Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared more than three million slaves living in the Confederate states to be free. More than two years would pass, however, before the news reached African Americans living in Texas. It was not until Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, that the state’s residents finally learned that slavery had been abolished. The former slaves immediately began to celebrate with prayer, feasting, song, and dance.
Read the full article from Britannica here.
Further reading:
This is an older article (before it was a federal holiday) from Learning for Justice, but still valid and a good read.
Books:
Feminist Books for Kids curated a list of nine books to help kids (and adults!) learn about Juneteenth.
PBS kids gathered seven Juneteenth books to add to your home library.
The Juneteenth Story is a comprehensive book for elementary aged kids
What is Juneteenth? is a great early reader book for kids who read independently.
It’s our job as caregivers to keep educating ourselves and our kids on all cultures and important historical events in our country and the world.
Let’s raise good humans who care about and value everyone!
