Juneteenth is a celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. It commemorates June 19, 1865 — the day the end of the Civil War was announced in Texas. It is known as our country’s second Independence Day as well as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day and Emancipation Day
Juneteenth has always been a day of celebration in the African American community, with family and friends gathering to offer comfort, prayers, and a celebration of freedom. Today many pieces of the celebration focus on activities like fishing, rodeos, and barbecuing, but the main focus of the day is self-reflection and improvement.
Everyone can take part in this important and historical celebration of Freedom, there are a couple of in-person events and lots of virtual events. Create your own celebration and enjoy some traditional Juneteenth foods.
Juneteenth National Independence Day is now a Federal Holiday
On Thursday, June 17, 2021, the President of the United Stated signed into law: S. 475, the “Juneteenth National Independence Day Act,” which designates Juneteenth National Independence Day on June 19th as a legal public holiday, White House Press Release.
A good way to explain the meaning of Juneteenth to children is to talk about the importance of human beings having a level of freedom in their day to day lives. There are lots of ways to celebrate and include your children: I've included information below on local and virtual events, books, videos, resources to learn more along with recipes so your family can join in the celebration of this important holiday celebrating freedom and commemorating these historic events.
Need a little help? Take a look at this helpful article: How To Talk To Children About Juneteenth
Below are many different ways to celebrate and bring awareness of Juneteenth to your Family:
Prepare a special meal:
Coming together as a family for a special meal and discussion is a good way to celebrate Juneteenth, especially if young kids are involved. This is a great way to explain the importance and meaning of the holiday while encouraging healthy self-reflection techniques. Red foods are a must!
Need some ideas on traditional Juneteenth foods?
- 68 Recipes From Black Creators to Celebrate Juneteenth
- Juneteenth Food And Drink Is Red For A Reason
- Juneteenth Menu, Food, History, Facts, & Black Folks Recipes
- Wonderful Watermelon: The Perfect Summer Food, From Salads to Desserts
- No Added Sugar In These Yummy 2-Ingredient Watermelon Pops
- Macaroni KID Cooks - Ice Cold Summer Treat Watermelon Granita
- Macaroni KID - Watermelon Ice Pops
Explore more about Juneteenth:
- Juneteenth: A Day to Celebrate, Lift Each Other Up & Reflect
- History Channel - What is Juneteenth
- PBS - What is Juneteenth
- 10 Facts about Juneteenth
Learn:
As you explore different ways to bring awareness about Juneteenth, be sure to watch or read material before you introduce it to your child to make sure it makes sense on their level. For older children, the African American History Museum’s website offers good information about Juneteenth.
Visit the California African American Museum in Los Angeles - Open for in-person visits anytime.
How To Talk To Children About Juneteenth
Video for Kids:
Books for Kids:
For younger kids, try books like "Juneteenth for Mazie", about a little girl who is upset about restrictions like bedtime (see the Read Aloud video below); and "All Different Now," the story of the day freedom arrived in Texas from a little girl's perspective and Juneteenth Jamboree is another.
Colors of Us website shared: 28 Books for Children and Teenagers celebrating Juneteenth for Elementary School, Middle and High School and Juneteenth Activity Books.
LA County Library Juneteenth books for all ages.
MaiStoryBook Honoring Black History Month 2023: Children’s Books, Crafts, Read Aloud Videos
Draw
Have children create a drawing of what freedom and kindness looks like for them.
Similar to other holidays like July 4th and Memorial Day, Juneteenth is an important day in American history. Freedom is an important part of our history.
Resources to Learn more:
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. To date, the Museum has collected more than 36,000 artifacts and nearly 100,000 individuals have become members.
Discover your roots: The Freedmen’s Bureau Project is helping African Americans reconnect with their Civil War-era ancestors, discover your roots, and begin building your own family tree.
Events:
❤️ Juneteenth Celebration of Ventura County June 17, 2023
❤️ Juneteenth Community Celebration June 17, 2023
❤️Juneteenth - East County Celebration June 18, 2023 - Sorry this event has been cancelled
❤️ Juneteenth Festival Leimert Park June 19, 2023
⛵ Juneteenth Sail June 19, 2023
Visit the Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas event page for local Juneteenth happenings in Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Malibu and nearby on Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
Eraina Ferguson is the publisher of Macaroni KID Cary, NC
Brenna Gutell is the Publisher of Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu
Updated June 1, 2023
