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This is the best reading nook around! In this section, you various printed and eBooks with genres of fiction and nonfiction books about the topic of Juneteenth.

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All different now : Juneteenth, the first day of freedom / written by Angela Johnson and illustrated by E.B. Lewis

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All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom by Angela Johnson (Printed Book)

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All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom by Angela Johnson (Printed Book)

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"In 1865, members of a family start their day as slaves, working in a Texas cotton field, and end it celebrating their freedom on what came to be known as Juneteenth."

This book is listed as Juvenile Fiction. This book is appropriate for grade levels from 3rd to 5th.

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All different now : Juneteenth, the first day of freedom

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All different now : Juneteenth, the first day of freedom

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Wow, that's a lot of data! In this section, you can find two online databases to help find articles and other published work about Juneteenth. There are corresponding videos to explain how to best use these databases.

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Nice picture! In this section, you can locate various historical images related to the events before, during, and after Juneteenth through the Library of Congress's catalog. There are a few inspiring pictures to get you started researching.

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If you want a break from reading, check out some videos instead. In this section, you can find some cool videos all about the holiday Juneteenth!

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Hey there, don't stop now! In this section, check out these fun and interesting articles all about the topic of Juneteenth.

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Let's not forget those reference defenses and add creditability to the published work! In this section, you can find various resources, videos, and websites to help make citations feel like can be done as easily as pie.

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This short Time for Kids article written by Brian S. McGrath and Constance Gibbs explains a brief history of Juneteenth.

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On June 19, people across the United States celebrate Juneteenth. The holiday commemorates the ending of slavery in the U.S., in 1865.

Juneteenth is short for June 19th. It was on that day, in June 1865, that 250,000 people in Galveston, Texas, found out they had been freed from slavery.

A Look at History

In 1860 and 1861, several Southern states declared their independence from the United States. This started the Civil War. The Southern Confederacy wanted to maintain slavery, while the Northern Union wanted to stop slavery from spreading to new territories.

On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. It declared freedom for enslaved people in the Confederacy. White slave owners kept the news a secret. Many enslaved people would not find out they had been freed until more than two years later.

In April 1865, the Confederacy surrendered to the Union. The war was over. On June 19, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the president's order. When they told the crowds that the state's 250,000 enslaved people were free, celebrations broke out.

Making a Holiday

Over the years, Black people from Galveston moved to different cities, and the celebration spread. It's also called Emancipation Day, or Freedom Day.

In the 1960s, the civil rights movement brought a wider awareness of Juneteenth. On June 19, 1968, two months after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., a Solidarity Day rally was held on June 19 in Washington, D.C. The event drew 50,000 people.

Texas made Juneteenth a state holiday in 1980. Following international protests sparked by the May 2020 killing of George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Juneteenth gained even wider recognition. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed legislation that made Juneteenth a federal holiday. Juneteenth celebrations include religious services, cookouts, parades, and festivals featuring music and dancing.
This story was originally published on June 15, 2021. It was updated on June 14, 2022.

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On June 19, people across the United States celebrate Juneteenth. The holiday commemorates the ending of slavery in the U.S., in 1865. Juneteenth is short for June 19th. It was on that day, in June 1865, that 250,000 people in...

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This website shares all the ways to create bibliographies while using MLA format.

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MLA Formatting and Style Guide - Purdue OWL® - Purdue University

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MLA (Modern Language Association) style is most commonly used to write papers and cite sources within the liberal arts and humanities. This resource, updated to reflect the MLA Handbook (9th ed.), offers examples for the general format of MLA research papers, in-text citations, endnotes/footnotes, and the Works Cited page.

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Juneteenth by Emily Dolebear (Printed Book)

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Juneteenth by Emily Dolebear (Printed Book)

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"Learn the basics about Juneteenth, also called Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, and how the holiday celebrates the emancipation of slaves in the United States. Additional features include detailed captions and sidebars, critical-thinking questions, a phonetic glossary, an index, and sources for further research."

This book is listed as Nonfiction/Holiday. This book is appropriate for grade levels 4th to 6th.

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Learn the basics about Juneteenth, also called Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, and how the holiday celebrates the emancipation of slaves in the United States. Additional features include detailed captions and sidebars, critical-thinking questions, a phonetic glossary, an index, and sources for further research.

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Learn the basics about Juneteenth, also called Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, and how the holiday celebrates the emancipation of slaves in the United States. Additional features include detailed captions and sidebars, critical-thinking questions, a phonetic glossary, an index, and sources for further research.

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"The Juneteenth flag is full of symbols. Here’s what they mean"

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"The Juneteenth flag is full of symbols. Here’s what they mean"

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This CNN article written by Harmeet Kaur explains the origins of the original Juneteenth flag and what the symbols represent.

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Editor's Note: A version of this story was initially published in June 2020.

You might see another red, white and blue flag flying this weekend over state capitols and city buildings.

That banner with a bursting star in the middle is the Juneteenth Flag, a symbolic representation of the end of slavery in the United States.

The flag is the brainchild of activist Ben Haith, founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation (NJCF). Haith created the flag in 1997 with the help of collaborators, and Boston-based illustrator Lisa Jeanne Graf brought their vision to life.

The flag was revised in 2000 into the version we know today, according to the National Juneteenth Observation Foundation. Seven years later, the date "June 19, 1865" was added, commemorating the day that Union Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, and told enslaved African Americans of their emancipation.

For two decades now, communities around the country have held flag-raising ceremonies on Juneteenth in celebration of their freedom.

"This country has so many aspects to it that are spiritual, and I believe this flag is of that nature," Haith said. "It (the idea for the design) just came through me."

Designing the flag and its symbols was a deliberate process, Haith said. Here's what each element of the flag represents.

The star

The white star in the center of the flag has a dual meaning, Haith said.

For one, it represents Texas, the Lone Star State. It was in Galveston in 1865 where Union soldiers informed the country's last remaining enslaved people that, under the Emancipation Proclamation issued two years earlier, they were free.

But the star also goes beyond Texas, representing the freedom of African Americans in all 50 states.

The burst

The bursting outline around the star is inspired by a nova, a term that astronomers use to mean a new star.

On the Juneteenth flag, this represents a new beginning for the African Americans of Galveston and throughout the land.

The arc

The curve that extends across the width of the flag represents a new horizon: the opportunities and promise that lay ahead for Black Americans.

The colors

The red, white and blue represents the American flag, a reminder that slaves and their descendants were and are Americans.

June 19, 1865, represents the day that enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, became Americans under the law.

And while African Americans today are still fighting for equality and justice, Haith said those colors symbolize the continuous commitment of people in the United States to do better - and to live up to the American ideal of liberty and justice for all.

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The Juneteenth flag is full of symbols. Here's what they mean | CNN

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Editor's Note: A version of this story was initially published in June 2020. You might see another red, white and blue flag flying this weekend over state capitols and city buildings. That banner with a bursting star in the middle is the Juneteenth Flag, a symbolic representation of the end of slavery in the United States.

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Start Children on the Path to Discovery

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learning activities for primary school students

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Children learn best when there are fewer barriers to learning. That's why Gale's popular, kid-friendly student database, Gale In Context: Elementary, matches how students naturally navigate online. Elementary school resources like Gale In Context: Elementary give children a safe place to find answers to their questions, practice research skills, and explore interests inside and outside the classroom.

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The Basics of MLA In-text Citations - YouTube Video

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The Basics of MLA In-text Citations - YouTube Video

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This short 4-minute video reviews the basics of MLA In-text Citations. The video was produced by the company Scribbr.

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The Basics of MLA In-text Citations | Scribbr 🎓

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This free online resource can help generate various websites, books, and videos into the newest citation format, even MLA.

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📖 MyBib – A New FREE APA, Harvard, & MLA Citation Generator

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Automatically create bibliographies, references, and citations in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and more with our fast and free citation generator.

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Have you lost all those citations? Are you confused about what order they are supposed to be listed in? Look no further! This website is perfect for you. All you have to do is create an online account then you can add your collected citations to various project folders for further use.

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What is Juneteenth? / written by Kirsti Jewel

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"On June 19, 1865, a group of enslaved men, women, and children in Texas gathered around a Union soldier and listened as he read the most remarkable words they would ever hear. They were no longer enslaved: they were free. The inhumane practice of forced labor with no pay was now illegal in all of the United States. This news was cause for celebration, so the group of people jumped in excitement, danced, and wept tears of joy. They did not know it at the time, but their joyous celebration of freedom would become a holiday--Juneteenth--that is observed each year by more and more Americans."

This book is listed as a Nonfiction/"What is" Book. This book is appropriate for grade levels from 4th to 6th.

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Bergen County Cooperative Library System

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Free At Last: A Juneteenth Poem by Sojourner Kincaid-Rolle

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Free At Last: A Juneteenth Poem by Sojourner Kincaid-Rolle (Picture Book)

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Free At Last: A Juneteenth Poem by Sojourner Kincaid-Rolle (Picture Book)

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"Deeply emotional, evocative free verse by poet and activist Sojourner Kincaid Rolle traces the solemnity and celebration of Juneteenth from its 1865 origins in Galveston, Texas to contemporary observances all over the United States. This is an ode to the strength of Black Americans and a call to remember and honor a holiday whose importance reverberates far beyond the borders of Texas."

This book is listed as Juvenile Poetry. This book is appropriate for grade levels from 2nd to 4th.

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Bergen County Cooperative Library System

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The story behind Juneteenth by Jack Reader

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The Story Behind Juneteenth by Jack Reader (eBook)

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The Story Behind Juneteenth by Jack Reader (eBook)

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"Juneteenth, which is celebrated each year on June 19th, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. This holiday began in 1865, more than two years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. News spread much slower back then, and when slaves in Texas finally learned of their freedom, the holiday was born. In this book, readers are given an in-depth look at the history of Juneteenth, including the events leading up to its creation. Readers will love learning about how this important moment in U.S. history is celebrated each year."

This book is listed as Juvenile Nonfiction. This book is appropriate for grade levels from 2nd to 3rd.

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Bergen County Cooperative Library System

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The Story of Our Holidays: Juneteenth by Angela Leeper

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The Story of Our Holidays: Juneteenth by Angela Leeper (eBook)

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The Story of Our Holidays: Juneteenth by Angela Leeper (eBook)

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"In Texas, all slaves found out they were free on June 19, 1865. This day is known as Juneteenth. At first, it was a holiday in Texas, but now people celebrate Juneteenth all across the United States. Readers will learn about the history of the holiday as well as how it is celebrated today. In addition, they can prepare a delicious recipe for corn muffins and construct Juneteenth flag pinwheels to place in a garden, yard, or window."

This book is listed as Juvenile Nonfiction. This book is appropriate for grade levels from 3rd to 6th grade.

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Bergen County Cooperative Library System

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Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper (eBook)

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Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper (eBook)

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"Mazie is ready to celebrate liberty. She is ready to celebrate freedom. She is ready to celebrate a great day in American history. The day her ancestors were no longer slaves. Mazie remembers the struggles and the triumph, as she gets ready to celebrate Juneteenth."

This book is listed as Juvenile Fiction/Historical Fiction. This book is appropriate for grade levels from 3rd to 5th grade.

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Bergen County Cooperative Library System

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This is a 17-minute-long video exploring the basic functions of the Gale in Context: Elementary. This YouTube video was created and posted by South Carolina State Library.

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Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper (Audio Book)

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Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper (Audio Book)

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Bergen County Cooperative Library System

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Library of Congress - Prints & Photographs Online Catalog

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Library of Congress - Prints & Photographs Online Catalog

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If you are looking for images specifically, then try this online catalog of historical images.

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Civil War

Explore the faces, places and events of the U.S. Civil War through photographs, prints and drawings in one online location.

The Prints & Photographs Division holds thousands of images relating to the Civil War, found in many different collections. This category allows research across those collections in one easy search.

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The Prints and Photographs Online Catalog (PPOC) contains catalog records and digital images representing a rich cross-section of still pictures held by the Prints & Photographs Division and, in some cases, other units of the Library of Congress. The Library of Congress offers broad public access to these materials as a contribution to education and scholarship.

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If you need some creative commons or copyright-free images, take a look through this website before you use Google. Just remember to keep on the all-creative commons filter before you start searching!

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Flickr | The best place to be a photographer online.

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The nicest place on the internet is here for you: inspiration, community, creativity, art, passion, and a heaping scoop of weirdness await you. Join for free.

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Celebration band, June 19, 1900 Photo by Grace Murray Stephenson via The Portal to Texas History

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This brief two-minute video explains the basic functions of SIRS Discover. This is a YouTube video created by EMS.

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Demonstrators participating in the Poor People’s March were widely credited with bolstering the popularity of Juneteenth. June 18, 1968. Washington, D.C. 

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Dancers and marchers visit the 2020 Juneteenth Celebration on Black Lives Matter Plaza in front of the White House

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"I Am A Slave" - The Roots Meet Schoolhouse Rock - black-ish

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"I Am A Slave" - The Roots Meet Schoolhouse Rock - black-ish

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This one-minute video explains the reason why slavery did not officially end until 1865. The video was created and posted on YouTube by ABC.

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"I Am A Slave" - The Roots Meet Schoolhouse Rock - black-ish

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The History Of Juneteenth, The Holiday That Celebrates The End Of Slavery

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The History Of Juneteenth, The Holiday That Celebrates The End Of Slavery

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This short article was written by Mike Oliver and edited by John Kuroski and explains the overall history of Juneteenth and the reasons why we celebrate it today.

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The History Of Juneteenth, The Holiday That Celebrates The End Of Slavery

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What started as a small gathering on an island in Texas has turned into a worldwide celebration of freedom.

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Juneteenth: Facts & Information for Kids 

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Juneteenth: Facts & Information for Kids 

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This History for Kids article shares a wide range of over twenty facts about Juneteenth.

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Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated throughout the United States on June 19th. It is also called Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day and Emancipation day and it celebrates the abolishment of Slavery.

It is one of the most important events of African American history. Some historians call Juneteenth the Second Independence Day or African American Independence day.

Africans were transported to the American colonies throughout the 17th and 18th centuries as slaves. The Civil War which ended in May 1865, brought freedom to all African Americans in the territory of the United States.

The delayed freedom of the slaves in Texas is widely remembered and celebrated as the holiday of Juneteenth. The name for this holiday comes from joining the month and date of the event, June and 19th of 1865, a month after the civil war ended.

Union Army General, Gordon Granger arrived in Texas on June 19th, 1865, and announced that all slaves are free. This was the first time the slaves in Texas learned about the Emancipation Proclamation that Abraham Lincoln enforced on January 1st, 1863.

This day is celebrated to mark the freedom of all slaves including the ones who did not know about their freedom.

What is the Historical Background and Context

It read as follows:
"That on the first day of January in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State, or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free; and the executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons, and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom."
It read as follows:
"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 order abolished slavery, however, it urged people to stay with their masters and work on wages instead. This was not desired by the freed slaves which is why they attempted to escape from their masters at their own peril.

There are reports of African Americans being shot dead or hung on trees near river Sabine after they tried to act on the news of Independence.

How did Slavery End in the United States?
Read about Reconstruction Era Facts
What kind of Challenges did the Freed People Face?

Celebrations and Symbolism

Other Important Facts

Image source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Juneteenth

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Juneteenth Facts & Information, End Of Slavery, Symbolism For Kids

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Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated throughout the United States on June 19th. It is also called Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day and Emancipation day and it celebrates the abolishment of Slavery. It is one of the most important events of African American history.

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What Is Juneteenth? Information for Kids and Families

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What Is Juneteenth? Information for Kids and Families

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This Boys & Girls Clubs of America article explores the different ways to approach this holiday with friends and family. It also lists suggestions and ways to celebrate it within local communities.

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In 2021, Juneteenth became recognized as a federal holiday in the United States. For some Americans, it's a new holiday to learn more about. But for many Black families and communities across the nation, it's a well-known time to celebrate liberation, culture and joy.

What is Juneteenth?

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared a formal end to slavery in the United States. However, change was not instant after the proclamation. Nearly two and a half years later, on June 19th, 1865, the enslaved African Americans of Galveston, Texas got the news by way of the Union army troops that freedom had come at last.

The next year, the people of Galveston commemorated that day as Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom. Since then, it's been observed in communities and states as a holiday, but officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021.

Why is the holiday called Juneteenth? The name blends the month and the day this news reached the people of Galveston: "June" plus "nineteenth" is Juneteenth. It's also often called Emancipation Day or Freedom Day.

How do you explain Juneteenth to a child?

When talking about Juneteenth with children and teens, it's important to remember that Juneteenth is a celebration - a celebration of freedom and the joyful recognition of the perseverance and spirit of Black people in this nation.

With that in mind, adjust your conversation to your child's personal development, maturity level and what they're learning about. For young children, you can share that Juneteenth is a holiday that celebrates freedom for all people in the United States. Define the word "freedom" and talk about what freedom means to them.

If your child is learning about American history, this short video from PBS Kids helps kids explore the history of Juneteenth and how it's celebrated by families today.

Teenagers can have more nuanced conversations around Juneteenth - exploring concepts of freedom and civil rights, racism and prejudice, and modern-day racial injustice. Many Boys & Girls Clubs across the country host town halls, panels and other discussions for teens to be able to talk about racial inequity and other critical issues on their minds, asking for their critical thinking around how to inspire positive change in our nation.

How do you celebrate Juneteenth?

Juneteenth isn't just about celebrating a day or a single historical event - it's a celebration of freedom, resilience, community and the possibilities of good things to come. Here are some great ways to celebrate Juneteenth with the young people in your life:

Create opportunities for youth to connect with the important people in their lives and the histories and stories that make us who we are.
The passing down of stories and history is a central way that Black people have connected and remained resilient over generations. For younger kids, ask them to interview their parent, grandparent or neighbor about their childhood, lessons learned throughout life and what they hope their legacy will be. For older kids and families, StoryCorps has a platform that allows individuals to ask questions, listen and share stories that are then archived at the Library of Congress. Choose a family member with knowledge of family history and dive into a conversation that the next generation can carry on. Here are StoryCorps' tips to get conversations started.

Help teens in your life register to vote.
Voting is a right that was not always accessible to Black people, women and other ethnic groups. Encouraging young people of age to register to vote and cast their ballot is important. It ensures their voice is counted and that representatives at the local, state and national levels reflect their priorities in policies and laws that govern our communities and nation. Don't have a voting-age teen but want to demonstrate the importance of voting? Young people of any age can build their understanding of civic engagement and exercising their right to be heard.

Support Black-owned businesses.
By purchasing services and goods from Black-owned businesses, you are investing in job creation, Black creativity and innovation, and the ability of individuals and families to build wealth. A thriving community has thriving businesses.

Offer virtual experiences to younger kids to educate and celebrate Black culture.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture hosts "Joyful Fridays," a Zoom class led by museum educators. Based on the book series, "Joyful ABC Activity Book," activities feature art projects and other lessons that aim to teach, inspire and create. Live instruction requires pre-registration. You can also find pre-recorded lessons and resources here.

Get your tween or teen on the move with the "Black History Bootcamp: The Walking Podcast" by Girltrek.
See what happens when headphones, learning and getting active collide! This podcast by organization Girltrek was created to support Black women and girls in developing the healthy habit of walking, but you don't have to be Black to enjoy the lessons and positive affirmations. The "Black History Bootcamp" podcast offers multiple seasons that celebrate Black stories, voices and history that gets your feet moving while your brain is learning.

Find media that celebrates Black identity, family, friendships and connection.
The images often shown on TV, in the movies and in other forms of media highlight the trauma and pain Black people have endured and continue to experience. Representation matters, and it's important for kids and families of all races and backgrounds to see Black people living happy, fulfilling lives. Check out this list of 30 books for young readers that are affirming of Black joy.

Encourage teens to discuss history on their terms.
Our understanding of history is often based on how it's told. When reading books, visiting museums or watching movies about American history, ask your teen about how the story is told and how a different perspective might change the story. Having open conversations around hard truths about the past can help young people process it, build their critical thinking skills and deepen their empathy and understanding of others.

Juneteenth is a time for reflection, education and most importantly, celebration. By sharing Juneteenth with the young person in your life, you're educating them on American history, the perseverance and spirit of Black people in this nation and the joy of freedom.

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What Is Juneteenth? Information for Kids and Families

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In 2021, Juneteenth became recognized as a federal holiday in the United States. For some Americans, it's a new holiday to learn more about. But for many Black families and communities across the nation, it's a well-known time to celebrate liberation, culture and joy.

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

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

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This five-minute TedEd video explains a brief history of Juneteenth in the United States. It also explains the important people who lead to the end of slavery after the Civil War.

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

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What Is Juneteenth? | COLOSSAL QUESTIONS

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What Is Juneteenth? | COLOSSAL QUESTIONS

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This three-minute YouTube video answers the "big questions" everyone wants to know the answers to about Juneteenth.

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What Is Juneteenth? | COLOSSAL QUESTIONS

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Juneteenth - All About the Holidays - PBS Kids

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Juneteenth - All About the Holidays - PBS Kids

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This one-minute YouTube video highlights the important facts about the holiday, Juneteenth.

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Juneteenth - All About the Holidays - PBS Kids

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Juneteenth Song | An Original Song by Gracie’s Corner | Kids Songs + Nursery Rhymes

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Juneteenth Song | An Original Song by Gracie’s Corner | Kids Songs + Nursery Rhymes

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Juneteenth Song | An Original Song by Gracie’s Corner | Kids Songs + Nursery Rhymes

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This three-minute YouTube Video posted and created by Gracie's Corner plays a catchy tune about Juneteenth. Gracie and her friends sing it together during the video.

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Graphic Novels and Comics to Celebrate Juneteenth - San Jose Public Library

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Graphic Novels and Comics to Celebrate Juneteenth - San Jose Public Library

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Graphic Novels and Comics to Celebrate Juneteenth - San Jose Public Library

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There are so many books to choose from! If you did not see any books listed in the recommended above, search through this list instead for something different.

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Graphic Novels and Comics to Celebrate Juneteenth

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Check out these graphic novels, comics and illustrated books to celebrate Juneteenth.