As parents, it’s part of our responsibility to engage our children in conversations about significant historical events that have shaped our society, and Juneteenth is no exception.
Here are some tips on how to discuss this important day with your child.
● Start with the basics. Explain to your child the historical context around Juneteenth, including how slavery existed in the United States. You might say something along the lines of “A long time ago, there was a time when some people were treated unfairly and didn’t have the same rights and freedom as others. This was called slavery.” Explain that President Lincoln signed a special paper called the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which said that all enslaved people should be free. However, it took a long time (over 2 years!) for that news to reach ALL enslaved people in the country. On June 19, 1865, a group of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally heard the news that they were free! This special day in history became known as Juneteenth, which combines the words “June” and “nineteenth.”
● Explain why we celebrate and honor this day. While the holiday itself has been celebrated by African Americans for over a hundred years (beginning in the late 1800’s), Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 when President Biden signed the bill into law. We celebrate this holiday as a way to remember the special moment when everyone in the United States was finally free. The holiday serves as a reminder that freedom and equality are important for EVERYONE, regardless of where you come from and what you look like. You can talk about both freedom and equality as core values, while explaining that there is an ongoing struggle for racial justice. Our work is never done. Explain that we also celebrate Juneteenth to honor both the bravery and strength of the people who fought for freedom, and to remind ourselves that we should always stand up for what’s right.
● Encourage questions. Invite your child to ask questions about Juneteenth. As a parent, your job is to create a safe and open space for dialogue, allowing your child to express their thoughts and feelings. Do your best to answer their questions honestly (and without judgment!) while staying age-appropriate.
● Use storytelling and literature. Use books and stories to engage your child in both the history and significance of Juneteenth. Try reading stories and personal experiences of individuals who lived during that time. This is an excellent way to spark conversation. For an older child, use literature as a way to practice perspective taking, and encourage your child to imagine themselves in the shoes of someone who experienced slavery and then freedom. Encourage your child to reflect on the hardships that African Americans have faced, along with the progress they have made. Our two book recommendations are The Juneteenth Story - Celebrating the End of Slavery in the United States by Alliah L. Agostini and Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper. Please note - there are so many amazing books out there. We especially love recommendations from The Conscious Kid.
● Attend local events to celebrate Juneteenth. Research what local Juneteenth celebrations might be taking place in your community. Maybe you find a parade or a concert to attend with your child. Attending an event live has a powerful way of showing the significance of the day itself. After all, the holiday serves as a time for families and communities to come together, have fun, and learn from each other.
● Emphasize the importance of empathy and reflection. Regardless of your child’s age, discuss the importance of empathy and treating everyone with kindness and respect. Encourage your child to think about their role in creating a more equitable society.
Talking about Juneteenth and educating our children on the rich history behind the holiday allows us a chance to impart valuable lessons about equality, freedom, and respect. By sharing historical context, creating an open dialogue, and participating in age-appropriate activities, we can inspire children to become advocates for justice and equality from an early age. By embracing these conversations and experiences, we are empowering our children to contribute to a brighter future, where diversity and equality are celebrated.