Juneteenth, observed on June 19th, is a powerful reminder of the importance of freedom, resilience, and the continued journey toward equity.
It commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. This day is not only a historical milestone but also an opportunity for reflection, learning, and unity in school communities across the country.
As a school community, we have a unique opportunity to help students explore Juneteenth in age-appropriate and meaningful ways.
Primary School
For our youngest learners, Juneteenth can be introduced through themes of kindness, fairness, and freedom. Teachers can read picture books like Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper or The Juneteenth Story by Alliah L. Agostini, which explains the holiday in simple, gentle language.
Activities might include art projects that celebrate unity, songs about togetherness, or class discussions about what it means to treat everyone fairly.
Elementary School
Elementary school students can go a little deeper by learning about important historical figures such as Harriet Tubman or Frederick Douglass and understanding what freedom meant to those who had lived without it.
Teachers might lead group discussions, host storytelling sessions, or have students reflect through drawing or journaling. A classroom bulletin board celebrating Black leaders, past and present, can also help make the history feel alive and relevant.
Middle School
In middle school, students can begin to explore the timeline of emancipation and the impact of slavery in America. Teachers can use short documentaries, age-appropriate podcasts, and primary sources to spark thoughtful discussion.
Classroom debates or projects about civil rights and justice can help students connect historical events to modern-day issues. Activities can include writing letters to historical figures, analyzing quotes, or organizing a school-wide celebration to promote awareness.
High School
High school students are ready for deeper conversations about injustice, activism, and the legacy of slavery. They might read texts such as Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass or analyze current events through the lens of history.
Students can lead projects, organize panels, or create presentations exploring how Juneteenth connects to ongoing struggles for racial justice. Encouraging student-led initiatives enables teens not only to learn but also to become active leaders in their communities.
Across all grade levels, celebrating Juneteenth should be a shared experience that builds empathy, promotes understanding, and inspires action. Hosting a school-wide event with music, food, storytelling, and student artwork can bring the community together to honor this important day.
