WHY IS JUNETEENTH AN IMPORTANT HOLIDAY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS?

It is important to teach children about cultures other than their own. Far too often children have limited exposure to people of different races and cultural practices outside of home, and sometimes the schools that they attend. With everything that is happening around the nation, I thought this post would be used as a stepping stone for all, parents and educators, to have those conversations about race. As teachers, we need to go beyond the “we’re all friends in this classroom” approach, and dive into those uncomfortable conversations that will teach empathy and respect for others. Juneteenth is tomorrow, June 19, 2020. I won’t dive into a full blown history lesson, but I encourage you to take this post (and free worksheets), do your own research and have that conversation with your children and students. The history of America's Independence Day is taught, but the independence of Black Americans is forgotten. 

What is Juneteenth?
On June 19, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that slavery had been abolished in accordance with the  Emancipation Proclamation. The people of Texas were overjoyed with their newfound freedom, so much that they wanted to celebrate. The June 19th celebration was coined “Juneteenth”. In 1997, the Juneteenth flag was added to the annual celebration. The flag was created by Ben Haith and others. The flag was redesigned in 2000, adding the original date 'June 19, 1865'. While Texans were happy to receive news about their freedom, that news was 2 ½ years late. 

Many southern states who were considered the Confederacy did not adhere to President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation that went into effect on January 1, 1863 because they wanted to continue owning slaves. Texas didn't officially recognize Juneteenth until 1979 and made it a state law through the efforts of Al Edwards, an African American state legislator. Today, there are 43 other states and the District of Colombia who recognize Juneteenth, but not as a state holiday. Recently, Virginia governor Ralph Northam announced that he is making Juneteenth a paid state holiday. A day after the Virgina announcement, Governor Andrew Cuomo of NY, said he will propose legislation next year making June 19th a permanent state holiday. 

I hope this post provided information about why African Americans celebrate the day all people who were enslaved became free on June 19th (Juneteenth).  I have attached literacy worksheets you can use at home or school for children in grades K-2 as you teach the significance of Juneteenth.

Click here for your FREE Juneteenth worksheet.

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