Juneteenth is a holiday that commemorates June 19, 1865, the day that slavery was put to an end and African-Americans finally had freedom. It is a day to be honored. Last year, President Biden declared it a federal holiday, and what makes the holiday more relevant these days is continuing the pursuit of justice for the Black community and for people of color. This holiday allows all of us to recognize the change that has occurred and the change that needs to still come.
So, what can we do to honor Juneteenth? One way is to celebrate with our young tots and our older kids through activities and crafts that teach them the meaning of Juneteenth, and reflect the progress and accomplishments of African-Americans.
Get the conversation started with picture books
Honoring Juneteenth: Kids' activities and family outings
The meaning of Juneteenth expands beyond slavery, and the day becomes more about the richness of African culture and of the Black communities across America.
“When you start with slavery, you’re actually starting with pain,” Celias Kelmedjio, director of the Frederick Douglass Institute at the University of Rochester, told NPR station WWXI. “And you’re starting as (if) the story of black people started with slavery.”
Thus as we teach our kids about Juneteenth, then we are also encouraged to avoid the perception that African-American culture began with slavery. So, it is time to get out of the house to see what your local communities have to showcase about African-American culture.
Have a family cookout
There is no way better than to celebrate a holiday with food. Food is the binding that brings us together. Teach your kids and maybe even yourself how to make black-eyed peas, greens, and yummy macaroni and cheese as all are staple celebratory dishes in the black community.
Attend a local event
Across the country, there will be cities hosting Juneteenth celebrations that will display African and African-American culture. Search up Juneteenth events and take the family out for the day.
Visit a museum
Find a local museum that focuses on the history of African-Americans or a museum that has an exhibit dedicated to African-American art.
Have a family movie night
Family movie night can be themed around the African-American experience in America. Movies such as Selma, A Ballerina’s Tale, and Hidden Figures are just a start to what can be watched on the 19th of June.
