This Thursday is Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. While President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that many enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free.
Juneteenth marks that powerful and bittersweet moment, and today, it continues to evoke a wide range of emotions—sorrow over slavery, joy over freedom, sadness over loss and pain, and reflection on the resilience of those who endured injustice. At Families as Allies, we pause each year on this day to honor its meaning and to reflect on how we can continue building a world where all families and children feel seen, safe, and supported.
This year, we highlight a thoughtful publication, Understanding & Celebrating Juneteenth, created by the Early Childhood Education Initiative Team at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. This resource helps families talk with children about the history and meaning of Juneteenth in age-appropriate, honest, and hopeful ways. It underscores the importance of sharing these conversations with all children so that they understand more about our history, culture and themselves.
We especially appreciate that the publication includes interactive suggestions for how families can observe Juneteenth together—through reading, storytelling, crafts, and community participation. It also offers links to additional resources, which we encourage you to explore. Helping children understand this part of our shared history supports emotional growth, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for the diverse stories that shape our communities.
