What Is Juneteenth? Information for Kids & Families
Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, is a time for reflection, education, and most importantly, celebration! At Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin, we're committed to helping young people learn about this important day and its significance.
What is Juneteenth?
In 1865, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally received news of their freedom, nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth marks this historic day and the ongoing fight for equality.
Juneteenth is a special day to celebrate freedom! Here are some tips on how to talk about it with your child, depending on their age:
Younger Kids:
Educate Yourself First. Learn what you can about Juneteeth so you can clearly and sufficiently discuss the meaning and significance behind this day.
Freedom for Everyone! Explain that Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom for all people in the United States. Define the word “freedom” and talk about what freedom means to them.
Help Them Conceptualize the Timeline. Children have a highly personal sense of time (i.e. relating to holidays and birthdays). Do not simply explain that it was a certain number of years ago or a very long time ago. Let your child know history is everything that happened before today, like playing yesterday or even eating breakfast this morning, and that history still has an impact on us in the present, even if it happened a long time ago.
A Day of Celebration and Joy! Juneteenth is also a happy time for families and communities to come together. This might be done through playing games, listening and dancing to music, and enjoying delicious food!
Older Kids/Teens:
Discussions on Freedom: Teens can have deeper conversations about what freedom means today. Discuss issues like racism and prejudice, and how and why the fight for equality continues.
Inspiring Change: Encourage your teen to think about how they can make a positive impact. Maybe they can participate in a discussion about racial equity at the Club, or volunteer in their community!
Remember, Juneteenth is a time to celebrate freedom, learn about history, and work towards a brighter future for all!
Celebrating Juneteenth with Youth
At the Clubs, we offer a variety of ways for young people to connect with Juneteenth:
Connecting Through Stories: Stories are the threads that bind generations, a tradition central to Black communities for fostering connection and resilience. For younger children, encourage them to interview an elder – a parent, grandparent, or even a neighbor. What were their childhood experiences like? What lessons have they learned on life's journey? What legacy do they hope to leave behind? Older kids and families can explore StoryCorps, a platform designed to capture the power of shared narratives. Here, individuals can record interviews, ask questions, and listen deeply to each other's stories.
Empowering Young Voices: The right to vote is a cornerstone of a free society, yet it's a right that wasn't always accessible to everyone. Help teens in your life register to vote. By exercising their right to vote, they ensure their voices are heard and that their communities are represented in local, state, and national government. Even if your teen isn't yet voting age, you can still plant the seeds of civic engagement. Young people can learn about the voting process, different political positions, and the importance of making their voices count.
Supporting Black Businesses: When you support Black-owned businesses, you're contributing to something much bigger than just a purchase. You're investing in job creation, nurturing Black creativity and innovation, and empowering families and individuals to build financial strength. A thriving community is a community where businesses flourish, and supporting Black businesses is a key ingredient in that success.
Virtual Exploration of Black Culture: For younger children, online resources can be gateways to discovering Black culture in a fun and informative way. The National Museum of African American History and Culture offers "Joyful Fridays," a lively Zoom program led by museum educators. These sessions feature engaging art projects and lessons designed to inspire, educate, and spark creativity. You can find this in the resources listed below.
Black History on the Move: For tweens and teens, learning can extend beyond classrooms and take to the streets! "Black History Bootcamp: The Walking Podcast" by Girltrek offers a unique way to combine exercise with education. This podcast series, created by the organization Girltrek, encourages Black women and girls to develop the healthy habit of walking. But the lessons and positive affirmations resonate with everyone. Each season of the "Black History Bootcamp" podcast celebrates Black stories, voices, and historical figures, keeping your body moving while your mind absorbs powerful knowledge. You can find this in the resources listed below.
Representing Black Joy: The media often portrays Black experiences through a narrow lens, focusing on struggle, trauma, and pain. But Black joy is real, vibrant, and deserves to be showcased. Seek out media that celebrates Black identity, family relationships, friendships, and the bonds of community. Explore this curated list of 30 books geared towards young readers that celebrate the fullness of Black joy and affirm the beauty of Black lives. You can find this in the resources listed below.
Critical Thinking Through History: Our understanding of history is shaped by the way it's presented. When your teen encounters American history through books, museums, or movies, encourage them to critically analyze the perspective being presented. Ask questions – how is the story told and how might it change if the story was told from a different perspective? Open conversations about historical realities can help young people develop critical thinking skills, cultivate empathy, and build a deeper understanding of different experiences.
Juneteenth is a time to celebrate freedom, resilience, and the possibilities of a brighter future. By learning about Juneteenth, young people gain a deeper understanding of American history and the ongoing fight for justice.
Join Boys & Girls Club of Sonoma-Marin in celebrating Juneteenth!
Resources:
Find more information and resources on Juneteenth from the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
This short video from PBS Kids explores the history of Juneteenth in a way that's fun and informative for kids.
Listen and learn from “Black History Bootcamp: The Walking Podcast” by Girltrek.
Joyful Fridays: Resources and Projects features educational art projects and lessons.
Find the list of 30 Books for Young Readers That Celebrate Black Joy.
Read the BGCA article on “The Strengths, Struggles, and Storytelling of a People — Club Teens Learn to Navigate Black History.”
This story was adapted from BGCA.org.