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Jun 6, 2023 - Juneteenth Activities for Kids | Teaching Kids About Juneteenth | American Holidays | Juneteenth Books for Kids | Learning About Juneteenth. See more ideas about activities for kids, teaching kids, activities.

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To overcome racial inequality, we must understand our history.

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In 2023, more companies than ever are anticipated to celebrate Juneteenth. With this free Ultimate Juneteenth Social Media Toolkit, your company can join them! Perfect for marketing and PR professionals, small business owners, and all those who care about vocally supporting Juneteenth: this guide will help you demonstrate your values and honor this meaningful occasion.

With step-by-step instructions, this guide makes it easy to create a meaningful and impactful Juneteenth social media campaign.

Additionally, because Juneteenth is now a federal holiday, there's even more reason to celebrate and recognize Juneteenth 2023 in both your internal and external communications! From social media posts to e-newsletters and staff communications, sharing about Juneteenth can help create a company culture that's inclusive and affirming.

Read on to discover how planning your company's Juneteenth communications might be easier than you think!

A few of our favorite Juneteenth social media ideas:

Read on for more information on these Juneteenth social post ideas, and more inspiration.

Post Juneteenth quotes and trivia to help educate audiences

Share about the history of Juneteenth

Highlight the ways your company is celebrating Juneteenth, including closing your offices

Share celebratory Juneteenth recipes, articles, and events

Ask engaging questions to start a dialogue

Educate audiences with a link to learn, watch, or read more about this holiday

TLDR: in this guide, you'll find:

When is Juneteenth?

What Juneteenth is and why your company should honor the occasion

A step-by-step guide for planning Juneteenth digital marketing efforts

Tips for hosting a successful Juneteenth brainstorming session

How to build your company's Juneteenth content calendar

Examples of engaging Juneteenth social posts from companies like Adobe, Edward Jones, Bain, and more

Helpful resources and tools to celebrate Juneteenth on social media platforms

The Basics: What is Juneteenth & Why Does it Matter?

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a federal holiday that celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African American people in the United States. For this reason, the holiday is sometimes referred to as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day. Additionally, Juneteenth is a day to reflect on the atrocities and inequalities that African Americans have faced throughout history and in the present day.

Although President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, the new law was not widely enforced throughout the entire United States. For example, in Texas, it took two and a half years for many enslaved people to learn they had been freed.

On June 19, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger and his federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas. He told the enslaved people that they were now free, and he shared the news that the Civil War was over.

The celebration of Juneteenth as a holiday began in Galveston, Texas in the 1860s. Now, many Americans honor this day throughout the country. It is a day of celebration and hope. And, it is also a day to pay honor and respect to the many people who suffered greatly under slavery.

Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19th each year. In 2023, Juneteenth will be on Monday, June 19, 2023. During instances when Juneteenth falls on a weekend day, the holiday is typically observed on the closest weekday to the holiday.

Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?

Yes! Juneteenth became a United States federal holiday on June 17, 2021. That's when President Joseph Biden signed into law the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, making Juneteenth the eleventh American federal holiday.

In fact, Juneteenth was the first new federal holiday declared since MLK, Jr. Day was officially designated one in 1983.

Why should companies prioritize Juneteenth social media and communications?

Juneteenth represents freedom, liberation, and equality. Celebrating Juneteenth is a great way to show your company's values and priorities, as well as stand in solidarity with the Black community. Especially now that Juneteenth is a federal holiday, more companies than ever are honoring this important day.

For instance, a few of the companies that recognize Juneteenth as a paid holiday include Adobe, Allstate, Apple, Lyft, the NFL, Nike, Peloton, and Starbucks.

Additionally, many companies offer employee activities and celebrations during Juneteenth. This is especially meaningful and important because many people did not grow up learning about the impact and history of Juneteenth, since this holiday is not widely taught in schools.

What are some common Juneteenth activities?

Many communities celebrate Juneteenth with barbecues, picnics, and parades - as well as cultural events like lectures, exhibitions, performances, and workshops. Additionally, are a variety of foods traditionally associated with Juneteenth.

These events can be celebratory in tone, or more somber and learning-focused. Be mindful of the tone when attending Juneteenth events. When planning your own team activities, aim to create an environment of both respect and enjoyment. Juneteenth is a time to celebrate freedom and equality. But, it's also a time to remember and learn about the inequities of the past and the present.

Remember to avoid stereotypes and plan activities that will educate and inspire team members.

Juneteenth Social Media Kit
Your step-by-step guide to create your company's digital marketing plan for Juneteenth 2023.

There are many wonderful reasons to honor Juneteenth. Knowing your company's reasons for sharing about Juneteenth will help bring clarity to your messaging and ensure you're able to measure success.

Before you begin planning, meet with your company's leadership, marketing team, and/or DEI committee to ensure everyone is aligned about why you're promoting Juneteenth and what your overarching message will be.

For example, maybe your goal is to support Black-led causes and amplify Black voices. In that case, your content strategy might include a lot of re-sharing content (with permission) from Black historians or influencers, sharing articles written by Black authors, and sharing about your favorite Black-owned businesses.

On the other hand, your primary goal might be to showcase your company's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. In that case, your content strategy might include sharing photos of your team learning about Juneteenth together, highlighting corporate Juneteenth initiatives, and sharing infographics about year-round DEI efforts.

From there, you can create additional goal metrics like engagement or click-through rates to determine whether your Juneteenth social media campaign is resonating with your audiences. For instance, you could choose to track follower growth, social post engagement metrics, anecdotal comment feedback, email click-through rates, specific actions your audiences takes, and more.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion projects are all about amplifying a range of voices and lived experiences. For that reason, it can be helpful to host an open brainstorming session to explore everyone's ideas for your company's Juneteenth communications.

If your team is virtual, plan a video call that everyone is welcome to participate in. Be sure to include in your calendar invite a clear description of what attendees should do to prepare. For example, you might ask them to watch a brief video about Juneteenth, or even send them this post as a primer.

Sample Calendar Invite: Juneteenth Social Media Brainstorming Session

Hi team,

I'm sharing an invitation for an optional meeting to brainstorm Juneteenth digital marketing ideas for [Company Name].

As you may know, Juneteenth takes place on June 19. This holiday celebrates the end of slavery in the U.S. and honors the many struggles and injustices African Americans have faced throughout our country's history and in the present day.

Because Juneteenth is a federal holiday, it's especially important that [Company Name] demonstrates our corporate values by honoring Juneteenth in our internal and external communications during the month of June.

Join us for a lively virtual discussion in a safe, inclusive environment. Please come prepared with a general knowledge of what Juneteenth is, as well as your questions and ideas.

There's a reason why your English teachers probably taught you to create an outline before you begin writing. It turns out that the human brain considers "planning" and "doing" to be two different tasks, best done in separate phases. For that reason, you may want create your Juneteenth content calendar before you dive into creating your content.

Tools to create your Juneteenth content calendar:

A social media planning tool, like Later or Hootsuite

A project management system like Asana, Trello, Monday, or Airtable

Google Calendar or Outlook Calendar

A collaborative spreadsheet

A project manager to keep it all organized!

Group your calendar according to the type of communications you're planning. For example, depending on the system you're using, you might want to color-code all your e-newsletter topics with one color, social media posts with another color, blog ideas with another color, and so on. Your Juneteenth communications might include regular or recurring topics throughout the month of June.
If you've never made a content calendar before - or if you need a refresher - check out HootSuite's guide: How to Create a Social Media Calendar.
Juneteenth social media ideas for your content calendar:

Post quotes about Juneteenth from noteworthy historical figures or influential people

Share Juneteenth recipes and hosting ideas

Teach audiences some historical facts or trivia about Juneteenth

Promote Juneteenth community events and activities such as picnics or parades

Repost a Juneteenth news article relevant to your industry or location

Share photos of your team celebrating Juneteenth

Highlight the ways in which your company supports Black-owned businesses

Ask your audience a thought-provoking question and encourage them to respond

Use interactive social media features, like Instagram Story polls and questions

Step 4: Build your Juneteenth social media posts.

Once you've determined your purpose and goals, brainstormed Juneteenth ideas, and built your content calendar, it's time to create your Juneteenth digital marketing content!

While your Juneteenth communications should reflect the overall mood and visuals of the holiday, it's also important to stay mindful of your company's existing brand standards (colors, fonts, logo, visual style guidelines, tone and personality, etc.).

Resources to create your company's Juneteenth marketing materials:

Ideally, your company's Juneteenth marketing efforts will spark a dialogue, both in your company and with your digital audiences. Continue the dialogue by engaging with any comments, DMs, or inquiries you receive as a result of your communications.

Even negative comments can give your company an opportunity to engage respectfully and demonstrate your values. That said, it's also perfectly acceptable to delete comments that are hateful or make others feel unsafe, in the spirit of fostering a safe and welcoming community.

It's a great idea to debrief with your team after your Juneteenth social media campaign. Share your metrics or analytics, if appropriate, as well as any feedback about your Juneteenth social posts, emails, etc. You can also ask everyone what they think worked well, as well as what could be improved.

As part of this process, take a look at how other companies honored Juneteenth. What do you think they did well? What would you have done differently? The section below includes a variety of examples of other companies' Juneteenth posts. Use this as a starting point for your team's dialogue!

Finally, ask everyone to share personal insights or reflections about your company's Juneteenth efforts, if they feel comfortable doing so. It can be helpful to provide an option for anonymous feedback. That way, you can include that feedback in your planning for next year's Juneteenth communications.

Examples: Corporate Juneteenth Social Media Posts

Adobe designated Juneteenth 2022 to be a Global Day of Learning for its employes. This company is known for its creative software tools and an ongoing commitment to professional education. As a result, this Juneteenth learning day is aligned with their overarching corporate goals to "unlock creative potential in everyone and impact the world in ways both big and small." Employees spent the day learning about Black history and inclusion initiatives.

Adobe combined their Juneteenth experience with Windrush Day on June 22, which Adobe shares, "recognizes the first cohort of migrants from the Caribbean to London in 1948."

By posting about their Day of Learning on social media, Adobe can inspire other companies to create similar programs. They also included a click-through to a blog post with employee insights from their day of learning.

Global consulting firm Bain & Company shared a message on their social media channels to inform followers their offices would be closed on Juneteenth. Additionally, they shared how their teams honored this holiday with a variety of learning forums at their offices across the Americas.

Moreover, Bain took this opportunity to promote and highlight an organization that they work with, the OneTen Coalition. They shared how this organization is helping serve the Black community and brought awareness to the cause.

CLIF Bar creates on-the-go snacks for athletes, hikers and cyclists, busy professionals and parents, and kids. From nutrition bars to granola to sports gels, CLIF focuses on nutritious foods that fuel people with energy. This company has long been known for its "five aspirations," which the company describes as: "Sustaining our People, Community, Planet, Brands, and Business."

For Juneteenth, CLIF Bar created an on-brand initiative geared around equity and the outdoors. This is another great example of partnership, as CLIF partnered with Outdoor Afro for this program that inspired people to get outdoors and spend time reflecting on the meaning of freedom.

Dr. Bronner's is known for their castille soaps, organic lotions and self-care products, and even a special vegan peppermint chocolate bar! On Juneteenth, Dr. Bronner's posted a branded graphic sharing briefly about the history of Juneteenth.

Additionally, the post caption informed audiences that Dr. Bronner's would be closed in observance of the holiday. Finally, they shared a brief list of actionable ideas to learn more and make an impact, including supporting Black-owned businesses.

Language-learning app Duolingo has amassed some buzz for their on-trend, often pop culture-infused TikTok videos. On Facebook, Duolingo shared with audiences about the meaning and history of Juneteenth.

Additionally, they invited followers to click a link to a Washington Post article to learn more about Juneteenth, with suggestions for how to honor the day.

Investment firm Edward Jones posed in celebration of Juneteenth with a simple message and photo. Their image conveys a sense of family and warmth, in line with Edward Jones' focus on a more personal approach.

Sometimes, a simple approach is best. If you're not sure what to post on your company's social media accounts for Juneteenth, get started with a short message that's celebratory and respectful. In that way, you'll show what your company values while also keeping with the tone of the day.

As a news media outlet, it's not surprising that NPR posted a more in-depth story about Juneteenth for followers to read. Their original reporting includes vibrant, bright photos that draw readers in, along with a historical narrative. Additionally, NPR included an audio version of the story, helping to make the content more accessible for those with vision challenges as well as people on-the-go.

NPR's post gets to the origins of Juneteenth - when, where, and how did it begin? It is said that we can only understand our present by understanding our past. As a result, NPR's post sharing about the history of this holiday is an impactful way to share knowledge and shape the way we see diversity, equity, and inclusion today.

Book publisher Penguin Random House posted on social media with reading recommendations for Juneteenth. Making a connection between a holiday and your company's mission or product can help engage audiences in authentic way. However, it's important to note that using a holiday like Juneteenth to sell your own products can come across as opportunistic or disrespectful. Some companies have come under fire in the media for featuring "Juneteenth" themed products that don't benefit or take input from the Black community.

Penguin Random House's social media post is focused on celebrating amazing African American authors and uplifting their voices. The tone is respectful and uplifting, encouraging audiences to learn more and delve into important stories. Additionally, Penguin Random House supports a variety of causes to promote diverse authorship - including the Black Creatives Fund, Black-owned bookstores, Black Caucus of National Council of Teachers of English, and more.

Publix Supermarkets

Southeastern U.S. grocery chain Publix posted about Juneteenth with a simple message in recognition of the holiday. Including their brand colors and logo, they created a simple graphic that catches the eye with a short, respectful message.
Get more inspiration with CNN's report: Companies are Celebrating Juneteenth in Unique Ways This Week.
Go Beyond Social Media: Book a Live Virtual Team Building Experience for Juneteenth

Unexpected Virtual Tours' interactive Juneteenth Team Building experience was featured in Lonely Planet as one of the best ways to honor Juneteenth! This hour-long virtual session is an approachable and engaging way for your team to learn about Juneteenth together.

Enjoy incredible treats from Black-owned businesses and learn about the history of this important holiday. Moreover, your team will hear from two on-location guides in Hampton, Virginia, and Austin, Texas. Preferred by companies like Coca-Cola, this activity is NOT a lecture, but a truly interactive experience that your team will never forget!
Learn more and book your Virtual Juneteenth Team Building experience! We wish you and your team a safe, happy, and celebratory Juneteenth filled with learning and fun. Looking for more virtual Juneteenth ideas? If so, check out our guide, Juneteenth Virtual Events & Activities.

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Ultimate Juneteenth Social Media Toolkit: 2023

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In 2023, more companies than ever are anticipated to celebrate Juneteenth. With this free Ultimate Juneteenth Social Media Toolkit, your company can join them! Perfect for marketing and PR professionals, small business owners, and all those who care about vocally supporting Juneteenth: this guide will help you demonstrate your values and honor this meaningful occasion.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In 2023, more companies than ever are anticipated to celebrate Juneteenth. With this free Ultimate Juneteenth Social Media Toolkit, your company can join them! Perfect for marketing and PR professionals, small business owners, and all those who care about vocally supporting Juneteenth: this guide will help you demonstrate your values and honor this meaningful occasion.

With step-by-step instructions, this guide makes it easy to create a meaningful and impactful Juneteenth social media campaign.

Additionally, because Juneteenth is now a federal holiday, there's even more reason to celebrate and recognize Juneteenth 2023 in both your internal and external communications! From social media posts to e-newsletters and staff communications, sharing about Juneteenth can help create a company culture that's inclusive and affirming.

Read on to discover how planning your company's Juneteenth communications might be easier than you think!

A few of our favorite Juneteenth social media ideas:

Read on for more information on these Juneteenth social post ideas, and more inspiration.

Post Juneteenth quotes and trivia to help educate audiences

Share about the history of Juneteenth

Highlight the ways your company is celebrating Juneteenth, including closing your offices

Share celebratory Juneteenth recipes, articles, and events

Ask engaging questions to start a dialogue

Educate audiences with a link to learn, watch, or read more about this holiday

TLDR: in this guide, you'll find:

When is Juneteenth?

What Juneteenth is and why your company should honor the occasion

A step-by-step guide for planning Juneteenth digital marketing efforts

Tips for hosting a successful Juneteenth brainstorming session

How to build your company's Juneteenth content calendar

Examples of engaging Juneteenth social posts from companies like Adobe, Edward Jones, Bain, and more

Helpful resources and tools to celebrate Juneteenth on social media platforms

The Basics: What is Juneteenth & Why Does it Matter?

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a federal holiday that celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African American people in the United States. For this reason, the holiday is sometimes referred to as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day. Additionally, Juneteenth is a day to reflect on the atrocities and inequalities that African Americans have faced throughout history and in the present day.

Although President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, the new law was not widely enforced throughout the entire United States. For example, in Texas, it took two and a half years for many enslaved people to learn they had been freed.

On June 19, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger and his federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas. He told the enslaved people that they were now free, and he shared the news that the Civil War was over.

The celebration of Juneteenth as a holiday began in Galveston, Texas in the 1860s. Now, many Americans honor this day throughout the country. It is a day of celebration and hope. And, it is also a day to pay honor and respect to the many people who suffered greatly under slavery.

Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19th each year. In 2023, Juneteenth will be on Monday, June 19, 2023. During instances when Juneteenth falls on a weekend day, the holiday is typically observed on the closest weekday to the holiday.

Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?

Yes! Juneteenth became a United States federal holiday on June 17, 2021. That's when President Joseph Biden signed into law the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, making Juneteenth the eleventh American federal holiday.

In fact, Juneteenth was the first new federal holiday declared since MLK, Jr. Day was officially designated one in 1983.

Why should companies prioritize Juneteenth social media and communications?

Juneteenth represents freedom, liberation, and equality. Celebrating Juneteenth is a great way to show your company's values and priorities, as well as stand in solidarity with the Black community. Especially now that Juneteenth is a federal holiday, more companies than ever are honoring this important day.

For instance, a few of the companies that recognize Juneteenth as a paid holiday include Adobe, Allstate, Apple, Lyft, the NFL, Nike, Peloton, and Starbucks.

Additionally, many companies offer employee activities and celebrations during Juneteenth. This is especially meaningful and important because many people did not grow up learning about the impact and history of Juneteenth, since this holiday is not widely taught in schools.

What are some common Juneteenth activities?

Many communities celebrate Juneteenth with barbecues, picnics, and parades - as well as cultural events like lectures, exhibitions, performances, and workshops. Additionally, are a variety of foods traditionally associated with Juneteenth.

These events can be celebratory in tone, or more somber and learning-focused. Be mindful of the tone when attending Juneteenth events. When planning your own team activities, aim to create an environment of both respect and enjoyment. Juneteenth is a time to celebrate freedom and equality. But, it's also a time to remember and learn about the inequities of the past and the present.

Remember to avoid stereotypes and plan activities that will educate and inspire team members.

Juneteenth Social Media Kit
Your step-by-step guide to create your company's digital marketing plan for Juneteenth 2023.

There are many wonderful reasons to honor Juneteenth. Knowing your company's reasons for sharing about Juneteenth will help bring clarity to your messaging and ensure you're able to measure success.

Before you begin planning, meet with your company's leadership, marketing team, and/or DEI committee to ensure everyone is aligned about why you're promoting Juneteenth and what your overarching message will be.

For example, maybe your goal is to support Black-led causes and amplify Black voices. In that case, your content strategy might include a lot of re-sharing content (with permission) from Black historians or influencers, sharing articles written by Black authors, and sharing about your favorite Black-owned businesses.

On the other hand, your primary goal might be to showcase your company's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. In that case, your content strategy might include sharing photos of your team learning about Juneteenth together, highlighting corporate Juneteenth initiatives, and sharing infographics about year-round DEI efforts.

From there, you can create additional goal metrics like engagement or click-through rates to determine whether your Juneteenth social media campaign is resonating with your audiences. For instance, you could choose to track follower growth, social post engagement metrics, anecdotal comment feedback, email click-through rates, specific actions your audiences takes, and more.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion projects are all about amplifying a range of voices and lived experiences. For that reason, it can be helpful to host an open brainstorming session to explore everyone's ideas for your company's Juneteenth communications.

If your team is virtual, plan a video call that everyone is welcome to participate in. Be sure to include in your calendar invite a clear description of what attendees should do to prepare. For example, you might ask them to watch a brief video about Juneteenth, or even send them this post as a primer.

Sample Calendar Invite: Juneteenth Social Media Brainstorming Session

Hi team,

I'm sharing an invitation for an optional meeting to brainstorm Juneteenth digital marketing ideas for [Company Name].

As you may know, Juneteenth takes place on June 19. This holiday celebrates the end of slavery in the U.S. and honors the many struggles and injustices African Americans have faced throughout our country's history and in the present day.

Because Juneteenth is a federal holiday, it's especially important that [Company Name] demonstrates our corporate values by honoring Juneteenth in our internal and external communications during the month of June.

Join us for a lively virtual discussion in a safe, inclusive environment. Please come prepared with a general knowledge of what Juneteenth is, as well as your questions and ideas.

There's a reason why your English teachers probably taught you to create an outline before you begin writing. It turns out that the human brain considers "planning" and "doing" to be two different tasks, best done in separate phases. For that reason, you may want create your Juneteenth content calendar before you dive into creating your content.

Tools to create your Juneteenth content calendar:

A social media planning tool, like Later or Hootsuite

A project management system like Asana, Trello, Monday, or Airtable

Google Calendar or Outlook Calendar

A collaborative spreadsheet

A project manager to keep it all organized!

Group your calendar according to the type of communications you're planning. For example, depending on the system you're using, you might want to color-code all your e-newsletter topics with one color, social media posts with another color, blog ideas with another color, and so on. Your Juneteenth communications might include regular or recurring topics throughout the month of June.
If you've never made a content calendar before - or if you need a refresher - check out HootSuite's guide: How to Create a Social Media Calendar.
Juneteenth social media ideas for your content calendar:

Post quotes about Juneteenth from noteworthy historical figures or influential people

Share Juneteenth recipes and hosting ideas

Teach audiences some historical facts or trivia about Juneteenth

Promote Juneteenth community events and activities such as picnics or parades

Repost a Juneteenth news article relevant to your industry or location

Share photos of your team celebrating Juneteenth

Highlight the ways in which your company supports Black-owned businesses

Ask your audience a thought-provoking question and encourage them to respond

Use interactive social media features, like Instagram Story polls and questions

Step 4: Build your Juneteenth social media posts.

Once you've determined your purpose and goals, brainstormed Juneteenth ideas, and built your content calendar, it's time to create your Juneteenth digital marketing content!

While your Juneteenth communications should reflect the overall mood and visuals of the holiday, it's also important to stay mindful of your company's existing brand standards (colors, fonts, logo, visual style guidelines, tone and personality, etc.).

Resources to create your company's Juneteenth marketing materials:

Ideally, your company's Juneteenth marketing efforts will spark a dialogue, both in your company and with your digital audiences. Continue the dialogue by engaging with any comments, DMs, or inquiries you receive as a result of your communications.

Even negative comments can give your company an opportunity to engage respectfully and demonstrate your values. That said, it's also perfectly acceptable to delete comments that are hateful or make others feel unsafe, in the spirit of fostering a safe and welcoming community.

It's a great idea to debrief with your team after your Juneteenth social media campaign. Share your metrics or analytics, if appropriate, as well as any feedback about your Juneteenth social posts, emails, etc. You can also ask everyone what they think worked well, as well as what could be improved.

As part of this process, take a look at how other companies honored Juneteenth. What do you think they did well? What would you have done differently? The section below includes a variety of examples of other companies' Juneteenth posts. Use this as a starting point for your team's dialogue!

Finally, ask everyone to share personal insights or reflections about your company's Juneteenth efforts, if they feel comfortable doing so. It can be helpful to provide an option for anonymous feedback. That way, you can include that feedback in your planning for next year's Juneteenth communications.

Examples: Corporate Juneteenth Social Media Posts

Adobe designated Juneteenth 2022 to be a Global Day of Learning for its employes. This company is known for its creative software tools and an ongoing commitment to professional education. As a result, this Juneteenth learning day is aligned with their overarching corporate goals to "unlock creative potential in everyone and impact the world in ways both big and small." Employees spent the day learning about Black history and inclusion initiatives.

Adobe combined their Juneteenth experience with Windrush Day on June 22, which Adobe shares, "recognizes the first cohort of migrants from the Caribbean to London in 1948."

By posting about their Day of Learning on social media, Adobe can inspire other companies to create similar programs. They also included a click-through to a blog post with employee insights from their day of learning.

Global consulting firm Bain & Company shared a message on their social media channels to inform followers their offices would be closed on Juneteenth. Additionally, they shared how their teams honored this holiday with a variety of learning forums at their offices across the Americas.

Moreover, Bain took this opportunity to promote and highlight an organization that they work with, the OneTen Coalition. They shared how this organization is helping serve the Black community and brought awareness to the cause.

CLIF Bar creates on-the-go snacks for athletes, hikers and cyclists, busy professionals and parents, and kids. From nutrition bars to granola to sports gels, CLIF focuses on nutritious foods that fuel people with energy. This company has long been known for its "five aspirations," which the company describes as: "Sustaining our People, Community, Planet, Brands, and Business."

For Juneteenth, CLIF Bar created an on-brand initiative geared around equity and the outdoors. This is another great example of partnership, as CLIF partnered with Outdoor Afro for this program that inspired people to get outdoors and spend time reflecting on the meaning of freedom.

Dr. Bronner's is known for their castille soaps, organic lotions and self-care products, and even a special vegan peppermint chocolate bar! On Juneteenth, Dr. Bronner's posted a branded graphic sharing briefly about the history of Juneteenth.

Additionally, the post caption informed audiences that Dr. Bronner's would be closed in observance of the holiday. Finally, they shared a brief list of actionable ideas to learn more and make an impact, including supporting Black-owned businesses.

Language-learning app Duolingo has amassed some buzz for their on-trend, often pop culture-infused TikTok videos. On Facebook, Duolingo shared with audiences about the meaning and history of Juneteenth.

Additionally, they invited followers to click a link to a Washington Post article to learn more about Juneteenth, with suggestions for how to honor the day.

Investment firm Edward Jones posed in celebration of Juneteenth with a simple message and photo. Their image conveys a sense of family and warmth, in line with Edward Jones' focus on a more personal approach.

Sometimes, a simple approach is best. If you're not sure what to post on your company's social media accounts for Juneteenth, get started with a short message that's celebratory and respectful. In that way, you'll show what your company values while also keeping with the tone of the day.

As a news media outlet, it's not surprising that NPR posted a more in-depth story about Juneteenth for followers to read. Their original reporting includes vibrant, bright photos that draw readers in, along with a historical narrative. Additionally, NPR included an audio version of the story, helping to make the content more accessible for those with vision challenges as well as people on-the-go.

NPR's post gets to the origins of Juneteenth - when, where, and how did it begin? It is said that we can only understand our present by understanding our past. As a result, NPR's post sharing about the history of this holiday is an impactful way to share knowledge and shape the way we see diversity, equity, and inclusion today.

Book publisher Penguin Random House posted on social media with reading recommendations for Juneteenth. Making a connection between a holiday and your company's mission or product can help engage audiences in authentic way. However, it's important to note that using a holiday like Juneteenth to sell your own products can come across as opportunistic or disrespectful. Some companies have come under fire in the media for featuring "Juneteenth" themed products that don't benefit or take input from the Black community.

Penguin Random House's social media post is focused on celebrating amazing African American authors and uplifting their voices. The tone is respectful and uplifting, encouraging audiences to learn more and delve into important stories. Additionally, Penguin Random House supports a variety of causes to promote diverse authorship - including the Black Creatives Fund, Black-owned bookstores, Black Caucus of National Council of Teachers of English, and more.

Publix Supermarkets

Southeastern U.S. grocery chain Publix posted about Juneteenth with a simple message in recognition of the holiday. Including their brand colors and logo, they created a simple graphic that catches the eye with a short, respectful message.
Get more inspiration with CNN's report: Companies are Celebrating Juneteenth in Unique Ways This Week.
Go Beyond Social Media: Book a Live Virtual Team Building Experience for Juneteenth

Unexpected Virtual Tours' interactive Juneteenth Team Building experience was featured in Lonely Planet as one of the best ways to honor Juneteenth! This hour-long virtual session is an approachable and engaging way for your team to learn about Juneteenth together.

Enjoy incredible treats from Black-owned businesses and learn about the history of this important holiday. Moreover, your team will hear from two on-location guides in Hampton, Virginia, and Austin, Texas. Preferred by companies like Coca-Cola, this activity is NOT a lecture, but a truly interactive experience that your team will never forget!
Learn more and book your Virtual Juneteenth Team Building experience! We wish you and your team a safe, happy, and celebratory Juneteenth filled with learning and fun. Looking for more virtual Juneteenth ideas? If so, check out our guide, Juneteenth Virtual Events & Activities.

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Ultimate Juneteenth Social Media Toolkit: 2023

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In 2023, more companies than ever are anticipated to celebrate Juneteenth. With this free Ultimate Juneteenth Social Media Toolkit, your company can join them! Perfect for marketing and PR professionals, small business owners, and all those who care about vocally supporting Juneteenth: this guide will help you demonstrate your values and honor this meaningful occasion.

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Classroom materials for teaching about Juneteenth

Juneteenth, recognized annually on June 19, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and has been celebrated by African-Americans since the late 1800s. The following teaching resources can help teachers honor this history with their students.

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Juneteenth, recognized annually on June 19, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and has been celebrated by African-Americans since the late 1800s. The following teaching resources can help teachers honor this history with their students.

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Event Description

Juneteenth is a celebration of the day in 1865 that word of Lincoln's signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing all slaves, made its way to the state of Texas. The celebration name is a combination of "June" and "Nineteenth"-the day that the celebration takes place.

Classroom Activity

Juneteenth has grown into a heritage-centered event that focuses on family, community, education, and achievement-but its origins are still very important. How does the historical background of the day, as a celebration of freedom for the slaves of Texas, compare to other important celebrations of freedom in the United States?

Invite your students to compare Juneteenth celebrations to Fourth of July celebrations, using the Venn Diagram. What events take place on the two days? What do people do? How are the events described in the media? When students notice differences between the celebrations, ask them to hypothesize about the reasons. Conclude the discussion by asking students what conclusions they can draw about the ways that people celebrate and define freedom in the U.S.

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Event Description Juneteenth is a celebration of the day in 1865 that word of Lincoln's signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing all slaves, made its way to the state of Texas. The celebration name is a combination of "June" and "Nineteenth"-the day that the celebration takes place.

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It goes by many names. Whether you call it Emancipation Day, Freedom Day or the country's second Independence Day, Juneteenth is one of the most important anniversaries in our nation's history.

On June 19, 1865, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, who had fought for the Union, led a force of soldiers to Galveston, Texas, to deliver a very important message: The war was finally over, the Union had won, and it now had the manpower to enforce the end of slavery.

The announcement came two months after the effective conclusion of the Civil War, and even longer since President Abraham Lincoln had first signed the Emancipation Proclamation, but many enslaved Black people in Texas still weren't free, even after that day.

That was 156 years ago. Here are the basics of Juneteenth that everyone should know.

What Juneteenth represents

First things first: Juneteenth gets its name from combining "June" and "nineteenth," the day that Granger arrived in Galveston, bearing a message of freedom for the slaves there.

Upon his arrival, he read out General Order No. 3, informing the residents that slavery would no longer be tolerated and that all slaves were now free and would henceforth be treated as hired workers if they chose to remain on the plantations, according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

"The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer," the order reads, in part.

It's perhaps unsurprising that many former slaves did not stay on the plantations as workers and instead left in search of new beginnings or to find family members who had been sold away.

"It immediately changed the game for 250,000 people," Shane Bolles Walsh, a lecturer with the University of Maryland's African American Studies Department, told NPR.

Enslaved Black people, now free, had ample cause to celebrate. As Felix Haywood, a former slave, recalled: "Everybody went wild. We all felt like heroes ... just like that, we were free."

Slavery did not end on Juneteenth

When Granger arrived in Galveston, there still existed around 250,000 slaves and they were not all freed immediately, or even soon. It was not uncommon for slave owners, unwilling to give up free labor, to refuse to release their slaves until forced to, in person, by a representative of the government, historian Henry Louis Gates Jr. wrote. Some would wait until one final harvest was complete, and some would just outright refuse to submit. It was a perilous time for Black people, and some former slaves who were freed or attempted to get free were attacked and killed.

For Confederate states like Texas, even before Juneteenth, there existed a "desire to hold on to that system as long as they could," Walsh explained to NPR.

Before the reading of General Order No. 3, many slave owners in Confederate states simply chose not to tell their slaves about the Emancipation Proclamation and did not honor it. They got away with it because, before winning the war, Union soldiers were largely unable to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation in Southern states. Still, even though slavery in America would not truly come to an end until the ratification of the 13th Amendment, the Emancipation Proclamation still played a pivotal role in that process, historian Lonnie Bunch told NPR in 2013.

"What the Emancipation Proclamation does that's so important is it begins a creeping process of emancipation where the federal government is now finally taking firm stands to say slavery is wrong and it must end," Bunch said.

People have celebrated Juneteenth any way they can

After they were freed, some former slaves and their descendants would travel to Galveston annually in honor of Juneteenth. That tradition soon spread to other states, but it wasn't uncommon for white people to bar Black people from celebrating in public spaces, forcing Black people to get creative. In one such case, Black community leaders in Houston saved $1,000 to purchase land in 1872 that would be devoted specifically to Juneteenth celebrations, according to the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. That land became Emancipation Park, a name that it still bears.

" 'If you want to commemorate something, you literally have to buy land to commemorate it on' is, I think, just a really potent example of the long-lasting reality of white supremacy," Walsh said.

Nevertheless, Black Americans found a way to continue to celebrate and lift one another up. Early on, Juneteenth celebrations often involved helping newly freed Black folks learn about their voting rights, according to the Texas State Historical Association. Rodeos and horseback riding were also common. Now, Juneteenth celebrations commonly involve cookouts, parades, church services, musical performances and other public events, Walsh explained.

It's a day to "commemorate the hardships endured by ancestors," Walsh said. He added, "It really exemplifies the survival instinct, the ways that we as a community really make something out of nothing. ... It's about empowerment and hopefulness."

And there's reason to be hopeful. After literal decades of activists campaigning for change, Congress has approved Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

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Slavery Didn't End On Juneteenth. What You Should Know About This Important Day

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It goes by many names. Whether you call it Emancipation Day, Freedom Day or the country's second Independence Day, Juneteenth is one of the most important anniversaries in our nation's history. On June 19, 1865, Maj. Gen.

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On Juneteenth, African Americans celebrate emancipation from slavery. On this day we at the Greater Good Science Center would like to share some of the tools we've published through the years that attend to the well-being of African Americans, and tools that others can use to work toward dismantling racism. These are tools of confrontation, compassion, listening, understanding, and hope that might move us all toward more fully claiming our humanity.

Right now, many of us are weary of using these tools on our own. Those who are suffering from racialized violence, who are seeking justice, need for all of us to share the load. On Juneteenth, we're taking this opportunity to ask our more privileged readers to listen deeply to voices of difference and thoughts that make you uncomfortable. We'd like to ask you to reckon with your own mistakes and hurts, and please help with the work of building a society where everyone's humanity is recognized and upheld.

Emancipation Day celebration in Richmond, Virginia, 1905. Source: Wikipedia

For Black Children, Play Can Be Transformative: Play is a radical and liberatory activity for Black children. As adults, we have a responsibility to promote and participate in it, too.

Nine Picture Books That Illuminate Black Joy: These books celebrate Black children's everyday lives-being bold, curious, creative, loving, and playful.

How Adults Can Support the Mental Health of Black Children: Psychologist Riana Elyse Anderson explains how families can communicate about race and cope with racial stress and trauma.

How to Change the Story about Students of Color: Dena Simmons explores how educators can inadvertently harm students of color-and what we can do to bring out their best.

Why Storytelling Skills Matter for African-American Kids: For black students, storytelling skills directly predict their early reading skills.

How Can I Stay Positive for My Kids When I'm So Overwhelmed?: Even for a psychologist who studies how kids understand racism and violence, talking to her own children about it is difficult.

Why Marginalized Students Need Hope to Succeed: Researcher Dante Dixson is developing programs to help disadvantaged students envision a brighter future for themselves.

How the "Strong Black Woman" Identity Both Helps and Hurts: Being a "superwoman" could help African American women cope with racial discrimination-but it may have some drawbacks.

From Othering to Belonging: In a Science of Happiness podcast, we explore racial justice, well-being, and widening our circles of connection and concern.

Thoughts on Awkward Relationships and Bridging Divides: In a Science of Happiness podcast, comedian W. Kamau Bell discusses the challenges of finding common ground, even with people in your own family.

Discover more anti-racist resources from the Greater Good Science Center.
Greater Good wants to know: Do you think this article will influence your opinions or behavior?

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Celebrating Juneteenth with Tools for Support, Understanding, and Solidarity

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On Juneteenth, African Americans celebrate emancipation from slavery. On this day we at the Greater Good Science Center would like to share some of the tools we've published through the years that attend to the well-being of African Americans, and tools that others can use to work toward dismantling racism.

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Juneteenth isn't a new holiday, but it is new to a lot of people - it was only declared a federal holiday last year. That newness means many will have questions about the holiday's significance and how best to observe it. It also brings tough questions from children about the nation's history of enslaving Black people.

As with most things in life, the best first step to better knowledge is to crack open a good book.

June 19 commemorates the date enslaved people of Galveston, Texas, became aware of the freeing of the enslaved in secessionist states by the Emancipation Proclamation, and has been celebrated by Black Americans since 1865. Juneteenth was mainly celebrated in Texas, but has taken on greater national significance following the renewed racial reckonings in the summer of 2020 and debates over school discussions of critical race theory.
'What does it mean to be freed?':How parents are teaching their children about Juneteenth
Whether you're a longtime celebrator or seeking to learn more, reading books about the history and legacy of Juneteenth can help commemorate its 157th anniversary.

"We have to love our country enough to confront its complicated history, especially as we grapple with racial inequities and injustice right now," Wes Moore, a military veteran, CEO of Robin Hood, a nonprofit fighting poverty, and author of "Five Days," told USA TODAY in 2020. "This is a moment where it is critical to elevate Black voices and Black stories. Juneteenth is much more than a historic holiday: It's a mandate to reflect on the progress that has been made but acknowledge how much more work we still have to do."

For those looking for ways to do just that, these are some of the books experts recommend reading.

'Stamped from the Beginning' and other books for adults to learn more

Learning more about the ways systemic racism is rooted in the country's history is the way to help heal the future, experts say.

"For adults, having a better understanding of slavery and its function in the American economy sets the stage for an appreciation of Juneteenth," Dr. Beverly Tatum, psychologist and author of "Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations About Race," told USA TODAY.

"The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism" by Edward E. Baptist

"Sweet Taste of Liberty: A True Story of Slavery and Restitution in America" by W. Caleb McDaniel

"Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America" by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi

"On Juneteenth" by Annette Gordon-Reed

"They Were Her Property" by Stephanie E. Jones-Rogers

"Stony the Road" by Henry Louis Gates Jr.

"The Water Dancer" by Ta-Nehisi Coates

"The Underground Railroad" by Colson Whitehead

"My Vanishing Country" by Bakari Sellers

"We Were Eight Years in Power" by Ta-Nehisi Coates

"Black Pain" by Terrie Williams

"The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin

"Here I Stand" by Paul Robeson

"The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkerson

"The Strange Career of Jim Crow" by C. Vann Woodward

"Mirror to America" by John Hope Franklin

James Patterson apologizes: The author faced criticism for saying white male writers face 'another form of racism'
For a better understanding, start with these reads recommended by Tatum, Moore and best seller lists about Juneteenth, slavery and Black history:

'Juneteenth for Mazie,' more stories to spark conversation with kids, teens

For the younger crowd, picture and chapter books offer a historical look to spark conversations at home about America at large.

"All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom" by Angela Johnson, illustrated by E. B. Lewis

"Juneteenth for Mazie" written and illustrated by Floyd Cooper

"The Story of Juneteenth: An Interactive History Adventure" by Steven Otfinoski

"Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life" by Ashley Bryan

"Juneteenth Jamboree" by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Yvonne Buchanan

"Black History for Beginners" by Denise Dennis, illustrated by Susan Willmarth

"Wagon Wheels" by Barbara Brenner, illustrated by Don Bolognese

"Freedom's a-Callin Me" by Ntozake Shange, illustrated by Rod Brown

"Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave" by Laban Carrick Hill, illustrated by Bryan Collier

"Escape From Slavery: Five Journeys to Freedom" by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Charles Lilly

"Sulwe" by Lupita Nyong'o

"Brown Girl Dreaming" by Jacqueline Woodson

Contributing: Barbara VanDenburgh, USA TODAY
"We're in the midst of an unprecedented protest movement calling for change," Moore said, referring at the time to the nationwide protests against racism and police brutality against Black people following the death of George Floyd. "Not only does Juneteenth - a day that has never received the attention or prominence it deserves amid our holiday and history - feel different, but the conversations we are having, the collective progress we are all working toward, feels different as well."

Some expert-recommended and best-selling book options for kids and teenagers include:

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Wondering how to teach your kids (and yourself) about Juneteenth? These 28 books can help

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Juneteenth isn't a new holiday, but it is new to a lot of people - it was only declared a federal holiday last year. That newness means many will have questions about the holiday's significance and how best to observe it. It also brings tough questions from children about the nation's history of enslaving Black people.

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This lesson was originally published on June 16, 2021 and was updated on June 15, 2022.
For a Google version of this lesson plan, click here. (Note: you will need to make a copy of the document to edit it). Overview:
In this lesson, students will explore and discuss the history and context around the Juneteenth holiday in the United States. Topics explored will include the history of racial injustice in the U.S., the Civil War and the limitations of the Emancipation Proclamation. Additionally, students will be encouraged to explore the modern significance of Juneteenth and its long-term impact.

Time: One 50-60 minute class period

Grades: 6-12
Introduction
On June 15, 2021, the Senate unanimously approved a bill approving June 19 as a federal holiday for "Juneteenth National Independence Day." The House passed the bill one day later. Still, many Americans are still unaware of the history and significance of June 19.

On Jan. 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation declaring "that all persons held as slaves" in the Confederacy "shall be free." While this may have freed some enslaved people on paper, the reality was much more complicated.

For instance, the Emancipation Proclamation only freed those slaves held under the Confederacy, not in border states loyal to the Union, including Kentucky, West Virginia and Delaware, where slavery was still legal after the Emancipation Proclamation. In fact, slavery was still legal in Kentucky until Dec. 1865, when the 13th Amendment was passed, though Kentucky voted against ratifying the amendment.

Confederate states and slaveholders also resisted emancipation, and many people remained enslaved in Confederate states after the proclamation, even as many enslaved people fought for their freedom or escaped behind Union lines. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger of the Union issued an order in Galveston, Texas, alerting all enslaved persons that they were legally free.

At this point in 1865, Texas was the westernmost state in America and one of the last Confederate states to be occupied by the Union. Many slaveholders had fled Union advances in other parts of the South to Texas, along with the people they had enslaved.

While it took time for the logistics of "freeing" enslaved people to come into effect, the importance of June 19, or "Juneteenth" lived on. Considering how complicated emancipation was, many dates were considered for holding celebrations of emancipation, but over 150 years later, June 19 remains.

What originally was a holiday mainly observed by Texans has grown to be recognized all over the country. Each year on "Juneteenth," (or more formally Juneteenth National Freedom Day), communities all around the United States gather and celebrate and reflect on the history of slavery and struggle for civil rights and equality, including the work that still remains after conditional advances such as the Emancipation Proclamation.
Warm up activity
As a class, watch the BrainPop video (8 minutes) below found introducing Juneteenth. While watching the video, answer the following discussion questions.
Discussion questions:

What is "Juneteenth"? What does it celebrate?

Why did it take so long for enslaved peoples in Texas to finally be free? What obstacles existed?

What were some of the forms of discrimination against newly freed people mentioned in the video?

What is the Great Migration?

How did Juneteenth become a national, not just regional, celebration?

After watching the video, separate into groups of 3-4 to discuss the focus questions (5 minutes).

Main activities:

Along with their groups, participants should read through the article "What is Juneteenth" by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. starting at the second section, "Other Contenders." (10 minutes) After reading, discuss the following questions (5-10 minutes):

Why was June 19 chosen as the date to celebrate the freedom of all Americans? What were some of the drawbacks to other dates? Can you make an argument for why you think a different date might have been better or worse?

Gates describes several reasons why Juneteenth struggled to be remembered at times, and why it was able to endure. Compare and contrast what the BrainPop video included as reasons why Juneteenth struggled and endured with what Gates emphasizes. What do you think were the most important factors in Juneteenth's momentum and remembrance worth continuing?

If Juneteenth isn't recognized in your state, see if you can answer: Why is Juneteenth not recognized? At the end of the article in the "Juneteenth Today" section, Gates describes how Juneteenth has spread in modern day. Explore Juneteenth in your local community. Search for the history of Juneteenth in your community and state. (10-15 minutes) Find out:

Does my state recognize Juneteenth?

When did my state start recognizing Juneteenth, if at all?

What was the process of Juneteenth becoming a holiday in my state?

Resources students can use include:

Additional activities
1. Brainstorm or plan a Juneteenth celebration activity. This can be decorating a common area, bringing in a relevant local speaker or planning a refreshment break for your school. Juneteenth celebrations can be in the home, at school or in community locations. For more inspiration see these resources:

2. Some activists feel ambivalent about Juneteenth becoming a national holiday, or reject the idea. To learn more about the nuances surrounding making Juneteenth a federal holiday, watch this NewsHour interview with Dr. Mark Anthony Neal recorded in 2020 amid the George Floyd protests.

If classrooms finish and plan a celebratory activity, please share your ideas with us on social media @NewsHourEXTRA on Twitter.
Cecilia Curran is a current rising sophomore at Amherst College. She is a prospective double major in Asian Languages & Civilization and Psychology looking to work in Public Health. This summer she is working as one of PBS NewsHour EXTRA's interns. Local to northern Virginia, Cecilia has loved PBS and her local PBS station WETA for years and is ecstatic to work with NewsHour this summer.
This lesson was edited by NewsHour Classroom's education producer and former history teacher Vic Pasquantonio.

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Lesson Plan: History of Juneteenth and why it's now a national holiday - PBS NewsHour Classroom

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This lesson was originally published on June 16, 2021 and was updated on June 15, 2022. For a Google version of this lesson plan, click here . (Note: you will need to make a copy of the document to edit it).

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This was quite a well-done movie! If you don't have very little kids, Miss Juneteenth will probably be a great family movie. It's the perfect length and has a great storyline. Common sense media doesn't give you the ability to choose half a star, but if I could I would give this movie 4 & a 1/2 stars. In my opinion, why it doesn't earn that half star is due to its lack of being compelling. There wasn't a very clear climax or point of no return, as I like to put it. Despite that, Miss Juneteenth has several positive messages of being true to yourself, being YOU, and not hiding who you really are. Those messages are all linked together, but there is much more to decipher from within this movie. There are some minor sexual situations, but I believe kids 12 & up will be able to handle it. However, if your child/children aren't that mature, you may want to reconsider their ability to handle the mature concepts o f Miss Juneteenth. Based on your child, and their maturity, the situation will be different. This movie is great for mothers and daughters especially, but also for the whole family. Overall, Miss Juneteenth is fabulous movie with great take-aways! It will be greatly appreciated by those mature enough to understand. (Probably 12+)

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This was quite a well-done movie! If you don't have very little kids, Miss Juneteenth will probably be a great family movie. It's the perfect length and has a great storyline. Common sense media doesn't give you the ability to choose half a star, but if I could I would give this movie 4 & a 1/2 stars.

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The History of Juneteenth: A History Book for New Readers Book Review

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Powerful account of the holiday's roots and celebrations. Read Common Sense Media's The History of Juneteenth: A History Book for New Readers review, age rating, and parents guide.

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On June 19, 1865 -- two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation announced the abolition of slavery in the United States -- the enslaved people of Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free. Known today as Juneteenth, the anniversary of this announcement is celebrated throughout the United States as a day for commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people and for remembering the atrocities against Black Americans that took place during the period of U.S. slavery. Below you'll find a list of books for kids and teens that feature stories of enslaved people and their experiences, the bravery of abolitionists and freedom fighters, and the joyous celebrations and communities organized by freed Black Americans. Before you light the grill or attend local festivities, recognize the importance of this holiday and what it means for all Americans by reading some of these stories together as a family. But history doesn't stop there, and your family shouldn't, either: Keep exploring Black history with our other book recommendations for young kids, tweens, and teens.

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On June 19, 1865 -- two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation announced the abolition of slavery in the United States -- the enslaved people of Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free.

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By Jasmine Hood Miller | June 9, 2022

If you know whence you came, there is really no limit to where you can go.
-James Baldwin, author and activist

Juneteenth, now marked as a national holiday, is a day of reflection and jubilee for people in the African American community. On June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed that they were now free, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. The following year those free men and women came together to celebrate the anniversary of their freedom -- creating a tradition that has spread across the United States and been passed down over generations, through celebratory events, food, and storytelling.

Whether your family has been celebrating Juneteenth for years or you learned about it recently, here are some thought-provoking and fun ways to share stories of our perseverance and determination to gain and hold on to freedom.

Remember and learn

Juneteenth may mark just one moment in the struggle for emancipation, but the holiday gives us an occasion to reflect on the profound contributions of enslaved Black Americans to the cause of human freedom.
-Jamelle Bouie, journalist

Books

Books are a great way to begin conversations with young children about complicated, sometimes scary topics like slavery and racism.

Henry's Freedom Box (5+)
True story of a boy's bravery and his later determination to reunite with his family.

All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom (6+)
Beautiful imagining of a young girl and her family as they receive the news of their emancipation.

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water (7+)
Based on the award-winning New York Times Magazine anthology, this picture book highlights Black resistance, the often untold history of Africa, and the legacy of slavery in a developmentally appropriate and poetic way for younger readers.

The History of Juneteenth: A History Book for New Readers (7+)
Inspirational, factual chapter book for young readers that explains the history behind the holiday, and how celebrations have changed from its beginning to present day.

Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge (9+)
Ugly truths about the USA's founding are told in this compelling historical tale of a young woman's fight for survival.

Movies and TV

TV shows and movies can offer realistic portrayals of the brutal treatment that enslaved Africans and their descendants endured -- and the dignity they maintained despite it all. Share in these experiences with your older tweens and teens by watching together, and try to make time before, during, or after to talk about some of the intense images and themes presented.

(12+)
Moving portrayal of a freedom fighter who embodied courage and a gift for envisioning a better future.

(14+)
Classic miniseries based on Alex Haley's book follows a family through the generations, from Africa to the Middle Passage, enslavement, and, eventually, freedom.

Miss Juneteenth (14+)
The tradition of Juneteenth is explained and celebrated as mother and daughter bond through pageantry and discovering their own beauty -- inside and out.

Underground (15+)
Intense drama shows some of the worst of human behavior -- and the triumph of the human spirit.

Bonus: Slavery at Monticello: Life and Work at Mulberry Row (app; 12+)
Explore the experience of enslaved people who lived and worked at President Thomas Jefferson's Monticello estate.

Honor and celebrate

[I]t's an opportunity to both look back but to look ahead to make sure that that notion of freedom, and the fragility of it, is always protected and celebrated.
-Lonnie Bunch, educator and historian

Juneteenth is a celebration to be enjoyed with reverence for all that our ancestors overcame. Here are some activities you can do together as a family to make the holiday special.

Sing-along for little ones: Sesame Street: Let's Celebrate Juneteenth Song
Young kids will have fun seeing themselves and bopping to this song about cultural pride.

Kid-voiced podcast: Hey Black Child
This episode, titled "The History of Juneteenth," gives kids a bite-size explanation of how the holiday got started and ways to celebrate.

Creative curation for teens: Press Play on History: Juneteenth from the National Museum of African American History and Culture
Older kids can engage in this self-guided activity by creating a themed playlist of songs that represents their interpretation of the historical experience of African Americans and Juneteenth.

Find a local festival or parade, have a barbecue, eat something red, attend a prayer service, or support a Black-owned business.

As we gather with our families to commemorate the day, take this time to acknowledge our shared history and look to the future.

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Celebrate Juneteenth with Learning and Fun

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By Jasmine Hood Miller | June 9, 2022 If you know whence you came, there is really no limit to where you can go. -James Baldwin, author and activist Juneteenth, now marked as a national holiday, is a day of reflection and jubilee for people in the African American community.

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Focus on Equity for Juneteenth and Beyond

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Despite attempts to quickly commercialize the recognition of Juneteenth as a national holiday in the United States, this celebration highlights the importance of honest history and the relevance of the past in the struggles of the present.

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Known also as African American Independence Day, Jubilee Day, or Freedom Day, Juneteenth is a celebration of the emancipation of enslaved Black people in America. Explore ways to commemorate June 19 in the classroom with lesson plans, books, and more resources.

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Celebrate Juneteenth 2020 | Teach For America

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Known also as African American Independence Day, Jubilee Day, or Freedom Day, Juneteenth is a celebration of the emancipation of enslaved Black people in America. Explore ways to commemorate June 19 in the classroom with lesson plans, books, and more resources.

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Juneteenth, now a federally recognized holiday, is gaining well-deserved recognition across the country. As teachers, we should foster understanding, empathy, and appreciation of African American history and culture in our classrooms throughout the year, but Juneteenth is a special opportunity to do it. Use these Juneteenth activities to spark dialogue, critical thinking, and creativity in your students while empowering them to become change agents for a more inclusive and equitable world.

Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. Prior to this date, many enslavers withheld notice of freedom from those they enslaved. Two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect in the Confederacy (on paper), federal troops arrived in Galveston and Major General Gordon Granger finally issued the following order, informing people of emancipation: "The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free ...," General Orders, Number 3.

While not all African Americans in Texas were freed on this date due to refusal of their enslavers or attacks against them that lead to extreme harm or death, Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, Liberation Day, or Jubilee Day, is the most widely celebrated days of emancipation in the United States. In its 128th year, Black Americans continue to find ways to celebrate including cookouts, parades, public events, musical performances, activism, and community work. For educators, Juneteenth provides a beautiful opportunity to celebrate Black Americans and to teach authentic U.S. history to their students.

Here are 20 Juneteenth activities to help get you started.

1. Create pictures, posters, or journal entries

The National Museum of African American History & Culture has created a guide complete with Juneteenth activities, resources, and a book list to support students with celebrating and understanding this holiday. One activity asks students to create posters, pictures, or journal entries about changes they want to see in the world and then discuss how they can help make it happen.

2. Read books about Juneteenth

Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop tells us that books can be mirrors (see yourself reflected), windows (look through to see the experience of others), and sliding glass doors (allows us to enter that world). First, watch the video below to learn more about this important idea. Then share a selection of books that allow your students to see themselves or view the experiences of others in the context of African American history and culture. Here are some Juneteenth book recommendations from PBS Kids and Essence.

3. Watch videos and discuss with your students

For example, use this video illustrated by Los Angeles-based artist Loveis Wise and narrated by LeVar Burton. Then discuss the images and poetry in the video.

Or use this video about Juneteenth on TED Ed.

4. Create a community mural or poster campaign

Art is an accessible form of learning for students to share their understanding through creativity and expression. In this lesson from Learning for Justice, students can create public art to share their knowledge about Juneteenth with their communities.

5. Introduce and discuss primary sources like the Emancipation Proclamation

The Colorado Department of Education describes primary sources as "the raw materials of history-original documents and objects which were created at the time under study." For Juneteenth, share the Emancipation Proclamation with your students and prepare questions and discussion for your class as you study this source.

6. Read and write about Frederick Douglass' keynote "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?"

On July 5, 1852, Frederick Douglass gave this speech and stated, "The Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn." Share the speech with your students and complete a writing activity asking students about their thoughts on the Fourth of July and Frederick Douglass' speech. Did it change their perspective on the holiday?

You can watch the speech, as read by his descendants, in the video below.

7. Teach about reparations

In this lesson from Zinn Education Project, students will "take on the role of activist-experts to improve upon a Congressional bill for reparations for Black people." You can also learn from Movement for Black Lives (M4BL) and do some learning of your own on the meaning and purpose of reparations.

8. Invite a special guest to speak about Juneteenth

Penguin Random House Speakers Bureau has a list of speakers whom you can invite to speak about Juneteenth. You can also ask someone from your local community to contribute!

9. Bring Black joy to your classroom

The National Museum of African American History & Culture teaches us that Black Joy is "resistance, resilience, and reclamation." Do some self-learning by reading this article with varying perspectives on Black Joy to give you ideas of how and why to bring this into your classroom during Juneteenth and always.

11. Learn how to have a culturally responsive classroom from Unearthing Joy

Juneteenth (and always!) is an important time to evaluate your teaching practices, and Unearthing Joy by Gholdy Muhammad is the perfect place to start. In this article, you will learn all about what it means to have joy in a culturally and historically responsive classroom.

12. Celebrate Black creatives

In a time when Amanda Gorman's "The Hill We Climb" was removed from an elementary school due to a parent complaint, it continues to be important that we share the work of Black authors, artists, and creators.

13. Support local Black businesses

You can do this by sharing about businesses with your students, inviting local business owners to be guest speakers, creating advertisements, or simply purchasing from them! If you are looking for Black businesses in your area, try starting here.

14. Attend a local Juneteenth celebration

In many cities around the country, Juneteenth is celebrated with festivals, barbecues, live music, and more. If you can attend a field trip to a local celebration, do it, or spend a weekend doing a bit of celebrating on your own or with friends and family.

15. Take a virtual field trip to a Black history museum

If you can't go to a local Juneteenth celebration with your students, or if there isn't one available to you, take a virtual visit to one of these 12 museums around the country.

16. Learn the Juneteenth song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMR11wbKrmg
If you haven't heard of the YouTube channel Gracie's Corner, now is the time! Share this Juneteenth song with your class and learn the lyrics together.

17. Start a discussion with your class about freedom

In this article by Time magazine, the author writes about the varying definitions of freedom. What does freedom mean to your students? Is everyone free? Use this list of discussion protocols from Cult of Pedagogy to select which protocol will work best for your community.

18. Read and reflect about June 17, 2021

On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden consecrated Juneteenth as a national holiday. Read his speech and have students do some reflective writing on the following question: Why did it take so long for Juneteenth to be consecrated as a national holiday?

19. Celebrate with red food and learn about its cultural significance

Like many cultural celebrations, you will often find Black Americans celebrating Juneteenth with food! Learn the history of the food eaten on this holiday including the significance of red foods.

20. Commit to anti-racism and celebrating Black history all year long

This Juneteenth, continue your journey in anti-racism and commit to lifelong learning and even unlearning potential biases. Celebrate the true, complete, and beautiful history, stories, literature, and creativity of Black Americans all year long.

What activities do you use to celebrate Juneteenth? Share in the comments.

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20 Inspiring Activities To Celebrate Juneteenth

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Get ideas for teaching Juneteenth with activities that introduce kids to the day when all slaves in the United States were finally freed.

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Juneteenth is our nation's second independence day. It is the day in 1865 that the last slaves in Texas learned that they had been freed. On June 19, more than two years after Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation and six months after the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution officially outlawed slavery, 2,000 U.S. Army Union Troops arrived in Galveston to require the state to release all of its 250,000 enslaved people.

Juneteenth has long been celebrated in Black communities and in 2021 President Biden signed a law making Juneteenth the 11th holiday recognized by the federal government. Despite this act, many communities of Americans are unfamiliar with Juneteenth and its import in our nation's history. Although it is a celebration, the date is a reminder of everything that led to it and the painful history that continues in our country.

Ken Sprague, Jr., is a U.S. history, economics and government teacher at Atlanta's Marietta High school, a majority-minority district. He says, "It's important to know the entire history of the U.S., not just a certain part of it."

Sprague and his colleagues developed an ethnic studies curriculum that covers the history of immigration, civil rights and other subjects from the perspectives of marginalized people.

Last year, Georgia passed a law limiting classroom discussions around "divisive concepts." Sqrague says it is difficult to navigate teaching history in a time when even facts are considered controversial. For him, the key is always take the opposing side to whatever opinion is being expressed so that his students never know where he stands on a political topic. "I just want them to think about things from a variety of viewpoints," he says. "We need to understand how what's happened in the past leads up to how we see things in today's world," says Sprague. Here are some resources for teaching about Juneteenth.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture

The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth is an article with photographs from the Smithsonian that provides context for Juneteenth. It covers the Emancipation Proclamation, the Thirteenth Amendment and Reconstruction.

PBS Learning Media

Juneteenth: All About the Holidays is a short video that offers an introduction for younger students. This PDF offers grades 3-5 vocabulary words and photographs.

Juneteenth.com

This World Wide Celebration website offers historical information and archives of Juneteenth celebrations in the news and connects those celebrating the holiday.

The Morningside Center

" Juneteenth. Why is it Important to America?" is an article that includes a lesson plan with a short video and discussion questions about the holiday.

The Library of Congress collections

The Library is full of original sources. Check out The Birth of Juneteenth, Voices of the Enslaved, and Juneteenth Celebration: A Local Legacy. Harriet Smith, a slave in Hays County, Texas, tells interviewer John Henry Faulk about the day she and the other plantation slaves were freed.

This classroom activity asks students to make a Venn diagram comparing Juneteenth and July 4. Several resources are linked here, including the Emancipation Proclamation housed at the National Archives and Records Administration's site.

The New York Times

S o You Want to Learn About Juneteenth? is an article that puts the celebration in the context of the 2020 protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police.

Learning for Justice

Teaching Juneteenth. This article from Learning for Justice, formerly Teaching Tolerance,
uses the holiday to empower students to advocate for societal change.

The History Channel

What is Juneteenth? This overview of the holiday offers facts and a short video with links to many other related topics.

TED-Ed What is Juneteenth, and Why is it Important?

Karlos K. Hill and Soraya Field Fiorio tells the story of a young slave in Texas who learns the slavery has ended and her enslaver is keeping it a secret.

Teach For America

Celebrate Juneteenth offers articles, lesson plans, and ideas for books and movies to celebrate Juneteenth.

Democracy Now!

James Earl Jones reads Frederick Douglass's historic speech, "What to the Slave is 4th of July?"
Jennifer Snelling (@jdsnelljennifer) writes about educators using technology to empower students and change the way we learn.

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Juneteenth is our nation's second independence day. It is the day in 1865 that the last slaves in Texas learned that they had been freed. On June 19, more than two years after Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation and six months after the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution officially outlawed slavery, 2,000 U.S.

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Home - Yocum African American History Association

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The Yocum African American History Association (YAAHA) is a 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to sharing educational resources about black history and providing historical milestones that prove that black history is American history. YAAHA provides public speaking opportunities and resources that include free lesson plans and Profile in Leadership PowerPoints that are highly effective for visual and auditory learners.

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Kids Konnect is closed on Monday 6/20 to celebrate Juneteenth.

This Sunday, June 19, is Juneteenth with a US public holiday on Monday June 20.

It was only last year that President Joe Biden recognised Juneteenth as a federal holiday so you might be stuck for ideas on how to celebrate the holiday with your little one. As Kids Konnect Infant Care and Preschools are closed for the holiday, we believe it is important to teach your little one about the role Juneteenth reflects in our society.

This is why we have curated 4 age appropriate activities that you can do with your infant or preschooler on this holiday.

But first, a little recap about Juneteenth and why people across the country celebrate it.

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth celebrates the independence of African-Americans and commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It is often referred to as the oldest holiday for African-Americans.

President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation into law in 1863 during the Civil War. However, slaves in Texas didn't find out slavery was abolished until June 19, 1865. A year later, those slaves' prayers and songs could be heard all across Texas. Juneteenth was born.

In 1980, Texas made Juneteenth a state holiday. In 2021, President Biden made it a national holiday. Over the years, Juneteenth continually evolved, and African-American community experts and community leaders say the holiday acts as "collective therapy".

It's an important holiday that commemorates a vital part of American history.

Why do we celebrate Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is significant because it gives African Americans a louder voice and symbolizes the community's ability to overcome, and succeed in spite of, the injustice and cruelty they have faced and still face. It is a specific day of liberty for the African American community.

On Juneteenth, people take part in activities that entertain, educate and empower. You might already have traditions your family does during the holiday, but if honoring the day is new to you, you may want to find ways that you and your little one can take part in the celebration.

Perfect Juneteenth Activities You Can Do With Your Preschooler Over The Holiday

1) Attend Local Juneteenth Festivals In The Bay Area

Various local Juneteenth festivals are happening across the Bay Area. They're a great opportunity to learn more about the holiday and meet your local community. Here is a selection of events happening near Kids Konnect Infant Care and Preschools.

Almeda County

Berkeley Juneteenth Festival - June 19 - 11AM-7PM Adeline Street and Alcatraz Avenue

The 35th annual Berkeley Juneteenth Festival is focused on family fun and entertainment with live music from several jazz performers including Nate the Soulsanger.
Learn more
Oakland's Juneteenth Festival: June 18-19, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Lake Merritt Amphitheatre.

Oakland's Juneteenth Festival specialises in wellness with yoga, meditation, mental health resources, Tai Chi, self-defense, spoken word and art installations.
Learn more
San Mateo County

Juneteenth Celebration and Lunch: 12 to 3 p.m. Saturday, 251 City Park Way, San Bruno.

The San Bruno Culture and Arts Commission and the San Bruno Public Library will celebrate Juneteenth in person this year at San Bruno City Park. Enjoy music, community, crafts and opening remarks from community leaders.
Learn more
2) Watch Some Juneteenth Videos With Your Little One

There are some great videos online that breakdown Juneteenth into family-friendly chunks.

We like this video by PBS Kids.

3) Read a Juneteenth Book With Your Little One

There are lots of different books about Juneteenth and Black History. Kids Konnect has curated a library of books great for preschool children to learn about African-American history.

The New York Public Library recommends a series of fiction and nonfiction books, including the following:

Juneteenth For Mazie by Floyd Cooper

Mazie's father talks to her about the meaning of Juneteenth, telling her, "It's your turn to celebrate... and to remember."

Juneteenth Jamboree by Carol Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Yvonne Buchanan

Cassandra and her family move to Texas and celebrate their first Juneteenth. Through images and events, the book teaches children about the history of the holiday

4)Create a Large Mural Or Poster Of Your Local Community

Grab a big piece of paper, some markers and start drawing! Ask your little one questions about your local community and have them draw the people they know from the local community. This could include their teacher, the shop owner, the USPS worker and anyone else they regularly see in the community. Once they have finished drawing and coloring in, ask them questions about what they see. They should be able to identify lots of different races and ethnicities. The activity should teach them that communities are built from lots of different identities - and that it is awesome!

Kids Konnect Commitments

Kids Konnect is committed to teaching a diverse curriculum that benefits all children in the Bay Area. Our blog is full of ideas on how to incorporate Native American customs into your Thanksgiving celebration, the i mportance of sharing other holidays with your little one, or how to teach about Ramadan.

Learning about different cultures is something we love and cherish and will always teach.

If you would like your child to be educated in a caring environment that encourages exploration, curiosity and tolerance, book a tour of your local Kids Konnect in the Bay Area today.

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4 Activities To Celebrate Juneteenth With Your Preschooler

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Kids Konnect is closed on Monday 6/20 to celebrate Juneteenth. This Sunday, June 19, is Juneteenth with a US public holiday on Monday June 20. It was only last year that President Joe Biden recognised Juneteenth as a federal holiday so you might be stuck for ideas on how to celebrate the holiday with your little one.

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HiMama Blog - Resources for Daycare Centers

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Juneteenth (short for "June Nineteenth") marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. Their entry came two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end of slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday.

On June 17, 2021, Juneteeth officially became a federal holiday. Therefore, it is a relatively new implementation into a preschool classroom curriculum. One of the most common ways for children to learn about this day is through books.

Books for preschool children to learn about Juneteenth

Other ways to commemorate Juneteenth in your classroom
1. Invite a speaker from your community
If you cannot source a speaker, you may consider inviting a local choir to come and share traditional music of the civil rights movement that helped black communities during their darkest times.
2. Organize an anti-racism event.
In current times, we are still witnessing disparities in access to quality education, employment, housing, and healthcare. Work with your colleagues and children to organize a parade that celebrates differences!
3. Plan a field trip.
Many community locations will host plays that engage children in the stories that led to freedom. Get out of your classroom and explore what's happening in your community!

How coding helps children with logic and problem-solving skills

Opening a new center: Why I chose HiMama at Step With Purpose LLC

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Commemorating Juneteenth in your preschool classroom

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Juneteenth (short for "June Nineteenth") marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. Their entry came two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

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Juneteenth is an annual observance of the end of slavery in the United States, and it officially became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. However, many Americans still don't fully understand what it means and the events that took place. This article will discuss the history of Juneteenth, how to introduce it to young children, and ways to celebrate it in the classroom.

Source
What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is an annual holiday that celebrates the end of slavery in America. It marks June 19, 1865, the day when Gordon Granger, a Union general, arrived in Galveston, Texas, with Union troops to take control of the state and inform enslaved African Americans that they were free and that the Civil War had ended. The name of the holiday is a combination of the words June and Nineteenth. While there are many other names to describe the event, such as "Freedom Day," "Jubilee Day," "Liberation Day," or "Emancipation Day," they all encompass the triumph that came with being legally free.

When General Gordon arrived, he announced General Order No. 3: " The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere."

The message freed the remaining 250,000 enslaved people in alignment with President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which was issued nearly two years before Granger and the Union troops arrived in Galveston to share the news. The Emancipation Proclamation officially abolished slavery in the Confederacy when Lincoln issued the ruling on July 1, 1863. So, what took Texas so long to emancipate the enslaved people? One reason is that a lack of Union troops made enforcing the order challenging. However, some historians blame the delay on slow traveling communication between states, while others believe Texan enslavers purposely withheld the information.

On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill that made Juneteenth the 12th federal holiday in the United States. It will be celebrated this year on Monday, June 19, 2023.

Although the Canadian parliament voted to recognize August 1 as Emancipation Day across the country on March 24, 2021, it is not considered Juneteenth. However, the holiday is said to be unofficially recognized amongst Canadians. Emancipation Day in Canada commemorates August 1, 1834, when the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect across the British Empire.

How to explain Juneteenth to preschoolers

Talking to children about a brutal past history such as slavery may not be easy. It may be painful and maybe even scary for them to understand. However, with brightwheel's lesson planning tool, you can develop custom learning plans that include age-appropriate conversations that will reassure them that the events that have taken place are in the past while teaching them about how the resilience of the enslaved people and the support of their white allies will help them understand these past events in a balanced and healthy way.

Author and scholar, Beverly Daniel Tatum, delivered a very informative Ted Talk called, "Is My Skin Brown Because I Drank Chocolate Milk?", where she discusses the conversations she had with her son about race and slavery. In the talk, she gives three points to consider when talking to children about slavery:

Start by reassuring the children that the events regarding slavery are in the past. This will help reduce any anxiety or fear they may have of the events.

Discuss how enslaved people resisted the cruelty and injustice they faced and didn't just passively allow themselves to be mistreated, as often told in history books and school.

Let them know that not all white people were supporters of slavery and that some were allies who worked against it.

She then shares a very child-friendly version of slavery that she told her son, who was four years old at the time. (This is a summarized version of her story about slavery). She began the story a little something like this: "A long time ago before there were grocery stores, and roads and houses, when the Europeans came to this country, they wanted to build all of those things, and grow cotton and crops. But they needed help to do this. So, they went to Africa to get strong and smart workers. But, they did not want to pay them. So, they took them from Africa and made them do all the work like growing the cotton and building the buildings without paying them, and it was unfair. They also didn't let them go home when they wanted to, and that was unfair too. Many of them were able to escape, but not all of them. They also found people that were willing to help them. Some of the white people worked to help them, and eventually they were able to end slavery."

To explain the events of Juneteenth and how the enslaved people were set free, you can tell the children that there were no cell phones back then and people didn't get information as fast as they do today. You can then tell them that President Abraham Lincoln made a law that ended slavery for all, but the enslaved people in Texas didn't get the information right away because they didn't have cell phones to communicate. But, two years later, on June 19, 1865, someone came to deliver the message that set the rest of the enslaved people free and they celebrated, and now we call it Juneteenth.

Although this is a very summarized version of the story, it's explained in a way for children to understand. You, of course, can tell and create your own version of the story. You can also check out the following resources to introduce Juneteenth to children:

How to celebrate Juneteenth

Celebrating Juneteenth in the classroom allows children to actively engage in learning about Black history and culture. It also promotes values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom as you start important conversations about race and encourage children to respect and accept one another's differences. Here are three ways to celebrate Juneteenth in your classroom this year.

Have a cookout to honor Black culture

The first official Juneteenth celebrations took place in Texas and included prayer and singing spirituals. Celebrations today include family gatherings, prayer, religious services, and festivals with music, food, and dancing. You can have a cookout in the schoolyard to honor the day, but don't forget the food, which is a major part of Black American culture-macaroni and cheese, collard greens, black-eyed peas, yams, and more.

Serve red foods to remember the resilience of Black people

If you're going to have a festive celebration such as a cookout, you'll want to make sure to serve red foods. Juneteenth celebrations customarily feature red foods to symbolize the resilience and joy of formerly enslaved people. You can pretty much serve anything that is child-friendly and within school guidelines to honor this day. Some foods include watermelon, beans, strawberries, red juice, ​red velvet cake, hot dogs, and barbecue sauce.

Read books about Juneteenth to celebrate stories passed down

You can read Juneteenth stories to honor stories passed down from enslaved people. Here are a few stories that will help children learn about and celebrate the day:

Juneteenth activities for preschoolers

Create a Juneteenth flag

The Juneteenth flag is red, white, and blue, like the United States flag. It's symbolic of the end of slavery in the US. Ben Haith, founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation (NJCF), created the flag in 1997 with the help of collaborators and Boston-based illustrator Lisa Jeanne Graf. Using red, white, and blue construction paper, you and your preschool class can create your own Juneteenth flag to honor the holiday.

Make a Pan-African flag

The Pan-African flag was created to represent people of the African Diaspora and Black freedom. The flag's colors, red, green, and black, stand for the blood shed for the liberation of African people, African-Americans, and Africa's wealth, growth, and fertility. It also represents unity. Make a Pan-African flag painting using red, green, and black paint, white cardstock, clothespins, and cotton balls.

To start, have the children pinch a cotton ball in a clothespin and dip it into the red paint. Next, instruct the children to stamp dots on the cardstock paper with the cotton ball to make the flag. Have them make at least three rows with the red paint. Then, have the children pinch a fresh cotton ball, dip it in black paint, and stamp at least three rows using the black paint. Finally, with another fresh cotton ball, have the children dip the cotton ball into green paint and stamp three rows of dots to complete the flag.

Color a Juneteenth picture

For a quiet classroom activity, you can allow children to color freely with a Juneteenth coloring sheet. Try this coloring sheet of the state of Texas to help children understand where Juneteenth first took place. Or, you can try this picture of the Juneteenth flag.

Serve green and yellow foods

Green doesn't only represent wealth on the Pan-African flag, but green foods are also a representation of good fortune. Yellow foods are symbolic of gold. Serve greens or any green, leafy vegetable, and yellow foods and explain the symbolism of the colors. For example, you can serve collard greens, corn, or sweet potatoes, which have historical context as they were crops the enslaved harvested.

Make a Juneteenth pasta necklace

This Juneteenth-inspired pasta necklace is a great way to build children's fine motor skills while also celebrating this important holiday. For this pasta necklace craft, you'll need red, white, and blue paint, resealable plastic sandwich bags (one for each color), yarn or twine, and dried pasta such as ditalini or rigatoni noodles. Start by opening your plastic sandwich bags and adding 1/2 cup of dried pasta, or however much you think your children need for each bag. Then, add red, white, and blue paint to each bag. Next, close the plastic bag and shake it up. Make sure the dried pasta noodles are completely covered in the paint. Take the pasta out of the bags and place on wax paper or paper towels to dry. Once dry, have children thread the yarn or twine with the noodles in a red, white, and blue alternating pattern.

Listen to Juneteenth songs

Songs are a great way to help children learn and retain information. Gracie's Corner, an educational Youtube channel for children, created an original song called the Juneteenth Song to help children learn about the celebration of freedom. The song highlights the moment when the last enslaved African Americans learned about their freedom and independence.

Additionally, Sesame Street created a song called Let's Celebrate Juneteenth Song. Gordon from Sesame Street and the muppets sing to teach children about "Freedom Day."

Create a Juneteenth-inspired sensory bin

Sensory bins support children's development by engaging their senses of sight, touch, taste, and smell. You can create a Juneteenth-inspired sensory bin for your preschoolers to play in to encourage sensory exploration while learning about this historic day. You'll need acrylic or tempera paint, chickpeas, resealable plastic storage bags, a plastic bin or container, scoopers, bowls, and spoons.

First, divide a bag of dry chickpeas into three different plastic resealable storage bags. Then add red, blue, and white paint to each separate bag. Next, seal the bag and shake it up. You'll want to make sure the chickpeas are fully covered with the paint. After the chickpeas are fully covered, pour them onto parchment paper to let them dry. After the chickpeas are completely dry, pour them into the plastic container or bin. You can recreate the Juneteenth flag with the colors and let children explore.

Play Juneteenth bingo

Playing bingo with young children allows them to work on hand-eye coordination, and when using pictograms, it's also a form of matching. For this activity, you'll need Juneteenth-themed bingo cards. Hand out a sheet to each child. Announce the picture on the card and hold it up in front of the class. As you hold it up, explain the picture and how it relates to Juneteenth. Children can place plastic chips or beans on the images as they're called out. When someone gets a row, they can shout "Bingo!"

Encourage the equality of humanity

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom and the end of slavery, and is an important part of Black history. Teaching about cultural holidays like Juneteenth can be an opportunity for educators to start meaningful conversations about race and teach values of acceptance and respect to their children. Learning more about this holiday and Black history has the potential to inspire children to be bold and brave while encouraging the equality of humanity.

Honor the diversity of your community by acknowledging other important celebrations throughout the year:

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Juneteenth is an annual observance of the end of slavery in the United States, and it officially became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. However, many Americans still don't fully understand what it means and the events that took place.

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What is Juneteenth, and why is it important? - Karlos K. Hill and Soraya Field Fiorio

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Explained: What is Juneteenth and why is it so important?

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Juneteenth for kids and Juneteenth activities for students: Freedom Day Juneteenth history explained with Juneteenth printable activities, emancipation lesson plans, book recommendations, activity sheets, including FREE Juneteenth flag coloring sheet printables. Inspiring, meaningful, and respectful ways to celebrate Juneteenth with kids!

LEARNING JUNETEENTH FOR KIDS

How do you explain Juneteenth to a child? We have history, facts, activities and Juneteenth lesson plan elementary ages and up and also how to celebrate Juneteenth at home - including Juneteenth activities for preschoolers and kindergarten!

How do you teach Juneteenth to children?
How do you celebrate Juneteenth with children?

Read about emancipation

Participate in a Juneteenth celebration (search: Junteenth celebrations near me)

Discuss the dark history of slavery in America and why the celebration of freedom is so important

Review the Emancipation Proclamation

Do a Freedom Flag craft / pan-African flag craft

Discuss racial inequalities that still exist today and what it will take to move past them

Serve red foods to remember the blood shed and resilience of enslaved people

Join a day of service organized by a local Black community

Use Juneteenth storytelling to honor stories passed down from enslaved people

As an ally, celebrate Juneteenth by listening to community leaders on what needs to be done in Black and Brown communities and help support the communities

Play Juneteenth games

Host a Juneteenth Jamboree or a Festival of Freedom and donate proceeds

Attend a religious service honoring Freedom Day

Host a cookout to honor Black culture

Read children's books and poems by Black authors

Shop at local, Black-owned independent businesses with your kids

Make collard greens to symbolize prosperity for descendants

Take a virtual tour of National Museum of African American History Culture

Watch a documentary on the Civil War

Get more Juneteenth for kids lesson plans and ideas below, plus a free printable Juneteenth worksheets pdf!
Affiliate links are used on this site. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more in our DISCLOSURE.

What is Juneteenth and why is it important?

Juneteenth, or June 19th, is an important day commemorating the end of enslaved people in the United States. It is celebrated on June 19th each year because that is the day that a general rode into Galveston, Texas to spread the word that the Civil War ended, slavery was over, and that enslaved people were free. It's an important part of American History.

Is Juneteenth a national holiday?

On June 16, 2021, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bill making Juneteenth a national holiday to be observed each year on June 19. On June 19, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the law making Juneteenth a federal holiday, effective immediately upon signing.
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Why is Juneteenth called Juneteenth?

So, why do they call it Juneteenth? Juneteenth is a combination of June and nineteenth, which is the day that a Union General announced the end of the Civil War to Texans and ensured that all enslaved people in the state be freed. Juneteenth is also called Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, Emancipation Day, and America's Second Independence Day.

Why we celebrate Juneteenth for kids?

Juneteenth commemorates the freedom of enslaved people in the United States and is an important part of U.S. history that should be covered with kids in studies and lessons. It's important to include Juneteenth for kids in celebrations and education as a way to honor African American history, culture, and progress.
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Before we get to the lessons and activities, let's cover history and fun facts about Juneteenth...

Juneteenth History and Juneteenth Facts

Major General Gordon Granger alerted Galveston, Texas, about the end of the Civil War and slavery

Enslaved people were freed in accordance with President Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Emancipation Proclamation

Enslaved people in Texas were not freed until 1865, 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation

Upon hearing the news of the abolishment of slavery, enslaved people began to dance, pray, sing, and feast to celebrate

Original Juneteenth celebrations included prayer meetings, spiritual singings, and dressing up in new clothes

Current day Juneteenth celebrations include church services, festivals with food and music, educational events, and family picnics

Some make sure they have red foods or drinks at Juneteenth celebrations, or wear the color red, to remember and honor the blood shed from enslaved ancestors

Juneteenth became a Texas state holiday in 1980, the first state to give official state recognition to celebrating emancipation

There is a Juneteenth flag, which is red, white, and blue with a bursting star in the middle

Juneteenth is the oldest known U.S. holiday commemorating the end of slavery in America

Other countries now also celebrate the day to honor the freedom of African Americans

The word Juneteenth is what is known as a portmanteau, or the blending of two words, of June and nineteenth

23 Juneteenth For Kids Activities and Lessons

Here are ways to include Juneteenth education in your studies. (Don't miss your free printable Juneteenth flag coloring worksheet after this section!)

Watch a video on Juneteenth

Read All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom

View, read, and discuss the actual Emancipation Proclamation

Do some emancipation lesson plans

Make a red, white, and blue dessert

Create a red, white, and blue layered drink for kids

Read a state bill making Juneteenth a Holiday Observance

Decorate your yard with Juneteenth decorations

Get some ideas on how to celebrate Freedom Day

Read: Black Heroes: A Black History Book for Kids: 51 Inspiring People from Ancient Africa to Modern-Day U.S.A.

Make a Juneteenth trivia game with facts (above)

Learn about spiritual songs of enslaved people and the hidden messages

Tie dye tshirts with red, black, and green (the colors of the Pan-African flag) and red, white, and blue (the colors of the Juneteenth flag)

Read the children's book: and do a Juneteenth lesson to go with it

Learn about the history of Juneteenth in Texas

Read: Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth

Read: The First American Slaves : The History and Abolition of Slavery - Civil Rights Books for Children

Use historical fiction to learn about the Civil War

Play family card games or family games to promote togetherness

Visit a museum honoring African American art and history (good for virtual Juneteenth ideas too!)

Watch: The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross and then do a lesson plan for it

Put together a puzzle celebrating Black women's strengths and power

Learn all about the Juneteenth Flag (free worksheet printable below!)

Free Juneteenth Flag Printable

Want to learn more about the Juneteenth flag? Grab our FREE Juneteenth printables! !

HOW WILL YOU COMMEMORATE JUNETEENTH FOR KIDS?

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23 Juneteenth for Kids Activities and Free Printable Flag for Freedom Day

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Juneteenth for kids and Juneteenth activities for students: Freedom Day Juneteenth history explained with Juneteenth printable activities, emancipation lesson plans, book recommendations, activity sheets, including FREE Juneteenth flag coloring sheet printables. Inspiring, meaningful, and respectful ways to celebrate Juneteenth with kids!