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Juneteenth Activities & Learning Resources
Updated: Jun 16, 2022
June 19th, or "Juneteenth," commemorates the day in 1865 when news reached Galveston, Texas that all enslaved people were free (over two years after slavery had already been abolished). In 2021, Juneteenth National Independence Day was declared a federal holiday! We've created an activity packet and put together some great resources for kids, parents, and educators looking to learn more about this holiday's important history. Scroll to the bottom for the printable worksheet.
Videos:
Juneteenth | All About the Holidays from PBS Kids (Grades K-5). Description: "Each June we celebrate the end of slavery in the United States in 1865. Across the country, family and friends gather to celebrate and learn more about the history and experience of African Americans before and after slavery."
Animation Series: What is Juneteenth? (#AtlantisBuild) from the Atlantis School For Gifted Youngsters animation series on YouTube. Description: "In this Atlantis School For Gifted Youngsters animation series we discuss Juneteenth, its History and importance."
Juneteenth (Spanish Explanation) from Steph OH on YouTube. Description: "HAPPY JUNETEENTH!!!! I made this quick and simple video for our Spanish speaking older gen. to understand this special holiday. Treat this more as a conversation starter, for ex. how July 4 isn't a celebration of freedom for everyone esp. not for Black people in this country. Or how we need to push to make it a national holiday." *NOTE: This was made before Juneteenth DID become a national holiday!
Articles:
Juneteenth from Britannica Kids (with read-aloud feature!)
A Juneteenth Celebration from Time for Kids
Books:
14 Children’s Books celebrating Juneteenth from Colours of Us. Description: "19th of June is Juneteenth! Also known as Juneteenth Freedom Day, it commemorates the abolition of slavery in Texas, and more generally the emancipation of enslaved African Americans throughout the Confederate South. On June 19th 1865 the Union soldiers brought the news to Texas that the war had ended and the slaves were now free. Browse this list of beautiful children’s books celebrating Juneteenth, for Elementary School, Middle School and High School..."
Worksheet:
What is Juneteenth? This packet includes a short article with comprehension and vocabulary questions, as well as a word search and coloring page.