8 Ways to Teach Your Kids About the Importance of Juneteenth

Updated on 6/18/2023 at 9:05 AM

Juneteenth, despite being relatively new to the list of federal holidays (it wasn't until 2021 that it was officially recognized), is just as important as, say, President's Day or Memorial Day.

Juneteenth, or June 19, is a historic day in the US that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people. On that day in 1865, troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to "take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed," according to the History Channel. Union general Gordon Granger gave federal orders in Galveston, Texas that declared all formerly enslaved people in the state officially free, two months after Confederate General Robert E. Lee had surrendered at Appomattox, Virginia.

At the time, "slavery had remained relatively unaffected in Texas — until U.S. General Gordon Granger stood on Texas soil and read General Orders 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,'" the History Channel reports.

"General Granger's announcement put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued nearly two and a half years earlier, on Jan. 1, 1863, by President Abraham Lincoln," per the New York Times.

So, Juneteenth (also known as Freedom Day or Jubilee Day) is a very important milestone in American and African American history. Use it as an occasion to educate your kids on a holiday that truly changed the course of America. Ahead, find a mix of children's books, engaging videos, and activities that will give kids an understanding of the holiday and convey the reverence Juneteenth deserves.

— Additional reporting by Alexis Jones

Create a Pan-African Flag

Little kids can get busy creating their own versions of the traditional Pan-African flag using pieces of green, red, and black construction paper or break out the magic markers. After they are done coloring, talk to them about what the flag stands for and how it symbolizes Black liberation in the United States.

Have the Kids Help Make a Meal

Cooking and eating a meal together is a traditional part of any Juneteenth celebration. Historically, eating red foods is an important way to commemorate those who were enslaved. "The practice of eating red foods — red cake, barbecue, punch, and fruit — may owe its existence to the enslaved Yoruba and Kongo brought to Texas in the 19th century," writes culinary historian Michael Twitty in his blog Afroculinaria. "For both of these cultures the color red is the embodiment of spiritual power and transformation."

Read a Book About Juneteenth

Is there a better way to learn about Freedom Day other than reading about it? Kids and tweens can dive into books about Juneteenth by checking out one or more of these titles that we love. One best-seller is "The History of Juneteenth: A History Book for New Readers" ($8), which is written by Arlisha Norwood, PhD and gives a timeline of the events of Juneteenth, and poses questions to help kids consider how the day's history relates to them now.

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

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Watch this PBS Kids' Juneteenth Video

Children can learn about the significance of Juneteenth with this age-appropriate video from PBS. The video is a great way to open the door to an educational conversation — start by asking your little ones what they learned, talk to them about what you plan to do as a family this year and onward to support the Black community, and have them weigh in with their own ideas too.

Color In these Juneteenth Printables While Talking About the Holiday

A good way to make a conversation about the history of Juneteenth more engaging is to have it while your kids participate in a related activity, like coloring or word searches. Parents can download free Juneteenth-themed coloring pages on Primary Treasure Chest's website or buy themed word searches on sites like Teachers Pay Teachers and Kids Konnect. While they work or during their show and tell, you can encourage them to talk about what they've been learning.

Check Out the Juneteenth Cartoon

The older set can explore the history behind Juneteenth in this animated video. Older kids may already be learning about Juneteenth in school, so it's a great opportunity to ask them how the contents of the video fits in with that they already know — and if they have any questions you can help answer.

Attend a Juneteenth Parade or Celebration

After you educate your family on the history of Juneteenth, stop by a parade to witness and celebrate its significance. If you're not a person of color, be sure that you're listening, learning, observing, and enjoying the cultural holiday with respect and love.

Give Back to a Local Black Organization or Charity That Serves the Black Community

Investing in local Black organizations or charities is a great way to teach your kids the importance of supporting and backing the Black community. A quick Google search will help you find those closest to you. And you can always donate to national orgs, like the NAACP or the National Black Justice Coalition, too. Get your kids involved, by encouraging them to be the ones to hit the "donate" button, or asking if they'd like to give a portion of their allowance to the same cause.