Why Juneteenth Belongs In Our Kids' History Lessons
When my son was in elementary school, two mom friends and I became aligned in our desire to teach our boys about important dates in Black history.
Juneteenth was one of them.
As people hit beaches and backyards for barbecues to celebrate America’s Independence Day, we made it our mission to teach the children in our circle about June 19, 1865. It was the day 2,000 Union Army troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas with the news that the more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free by executive decree; more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
Known as Juneteenth, Freedom Day, and in some regions ‘Our Independence Day’, we gathered several families together as the kids read their presentations about the holiday’s significance and people like teacher and activist, Opal Lee, often referred to as “grandmother of Juneteenth” who fought to have the day federally recognized. Some parents confessed that it was a learning experience for them, too, as they had never been taught about Juneteenth in school. It’s a travesty that we are still experiencing today.
In the last few years, several states have attempted to make it more difficult for students to learn about the origins of race and racism in this country by passing anti-Critical Race Theory (CRT) laws designed to prevent white students from feeling guilt about the ugly parts of American history. In some cases, lawmakers have also sought to rewrite the contributions of the enslaved by prohibiting the teaching of high school Advanced Placement African American Studies courses.
Thankfully, on June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act making June 19th a legal public holiday. Black communities nationwide now celebrate Juneteenth in various ways — from cookouts, picnics, and rodeos to street fairs, family reunions, Miss Juneteenth pageants, blues festivals, historical reenactments, and quiet remembrances. It is also an occasion to support Black causes and Black-owned businesses. Our gatherings include buffets of foods like hibiscus, okra, and collard greens that originated in Africa, and red-hued foods like watermelon, strawberries, hibiscus tea, strawberry soda, and red velvet cake which is traditional during the celebration and represents resilience, joy, and the blood that was shed.
My son is now 17, a rising high school senior, and co-President of his school’s Black Student Union. It fills my husband and me with pride to see his growth, knowledge of self, and understanding of the struggles and sacrifices our ancestors endured in America in order for him to enjoy the life he has today. This year, over food, music, and laughs, we will celebrate with family and friends, and pray for those who have gone on before us.
If you would like to host your own Juneteenth celebration, here are some ways to make it memorable.
The Menu: Traditional summer fare like barbecue, deviled eggs, potato salad, and baked beans, as well as red-hued foods like strawberries, watermelon, and red velvet cake. Tea cakes are also synonymous with Juneteenth.
The Decor: Banners, tablecloths, flowers, and balloons in traditional Juneteenth colors of red, green, and black make the occasion festive.
The Activities: Juneteenth-themed trivia games like Kahoot, dance sessions, a Juneteenth history discussion, or a quiet moment of remembrance is nice. So is supporting a social justice organization or a local Black-owned business.
Juneteenth Events Around the Nation
Los Angeles, California
JUNETEENTH: A Global Celebration for Freedom
The Hollywood Bowl
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
An all-star lineup comes together for a musical celebration of Black freedom and excellence at the Hollywood Bowl featuring performances by Khalid, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Roots, Chaka Khan, Lucky Daye, Robert Glasper, Billy Porter, Mary Mary, Anthony Hamilton, Michelle Williams, Mickey Guyton, the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, and more. Plus, the first-ever performance of an all-Black symphony orchestra in Hollywood Bowl’s 100-year history.
Dallas, Texas
Opal’s Walk For Freedom
African American Museum of Dallas
Miss Opal Lee, the “grandmother of Juneteenth” will complete her annual 2.5-mile-long walk to recognize the 2.5 years it took for the news and enforcement of freedom to reach the enslaved people in Texas. Find more information here.
Harlem, New York
Harlem Grown Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 22, 2024, 10am – 3:00pm
Harlem Grown’s First Juneteenth Celebration is a farm party to honor Blackness and its cultural roots in Harlem. Come celebrate Juneteenth for family-friendly activities. This event will commemorate this day while we educate, empower, and elevate our community. Join us as we celebrate this important holiday, share recipes, and highlight Black and brown businesses and organizations in Harlem.
Miami, Florida
The Juneteenth Experience at The Colony Theatre
Tuesday, June 18, and Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at 7 p.m.
The Juneteenth Experience event will be a riveting interdisciplinary performance seamlessly melding spoken word, dance, music, and multimedia elements, promising an unforgettable 60-minute journey. The array of local and international talents includes leading vocalists and an incredible band.
Chicago, Illinois
Juneteenth Village Fest is a free family-fun festival with mainstage performances, rides, games, food, and more!
Online Resources for Learning About & Celebrating Juneteenth
If you aren’t near a major city, you can still learn about and participate in Juneteenth events online! The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture has a comprehensive Juneteenth page with history, a reading list, a digital toolkit and more. Eventbrite has a list of virtual Juneteenth events including film screenings, a virtual paint party for kids, musical celebrations, classes – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There’s even a Juneteenth celebration virtual 5K run, now in its fifth year!
With so many ways to learn about and celebrate Juneteenth, whether you’re at home or out and about in your community, there’s no reason not to take advantage of all the opportunities to recognize and observe this vibrant celebration of Black culture, resilience, and joy.