Who Celebrates Juneteenth? In commemoration of Juneteenth, and to honor Black history, freedom and achievement, WORLD Channel invites you to stream films that champion Black stories, rights and the continuing fight for equality.You can watch even more programs and documentariesthat explorethe Black experience in the U.S. in our Honoring Juneteenth playlist - now streamingon the PBS app. Representative Al Edwards died of natural causes April29, 2020, at the age of 83, but the annual prayer breakfast and commemorative celebration continued at Ashton Villa, with the late legislator's son Jason Edwards speaking in his fathers place. See past Juneteenth Jamboree films from Austin PBS. A historic demonstration gained freedoms for Black Americans, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger and. People across the country celebrate Juneteenth by gathering with family and friends for parties, parades, cookouts, rodeos, and readings of the Emancipation Proclamation. After the Emancipation Proclamation, Texas still held more than 200,000 African Americans in slavery. Galveston, People celebrate Juneteenth in many different ways, including hosting BBQs, reading poems, singing songs, and. KQED in San Francisco, California has photos from Berkeley's Juneteenth festival. In some cities, black people were barred from using public parks because of state-sponsored segregation of facilities. FromPBS 39:Juneteenth Lehigh Valley,PBS 39's coverage of their community celebration. President Joe Biden signed the bill (Pub.L. From 1936 to 1951, the Texas State Fair served as a destination for celebrating the holiday, contributing to its revival. Monday, June 20, 2022, all Kids Co. locations will be closed in observance of Juneteenth. Nike, Twitter, and PBS are just a few of the companies that have done so. 3. Juneteenth Celebration Lesson for Kids: History & Facts - Study.com The order abolished slavery, however, it urged people to stay with their masters and work on wages instead. *Featured image from the annual Juneteenth celebration at the Eiteljorg. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, making June 19 a federal holiday. By Laura Goertzel On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger arrived in. Creative, huh? Check out how your state celebrates this special day. Ice Cream Cone Christmas Tree Craft for Kids, Easy Christmas Classroom Craft, DIY First Day of School Photo Prop Sign/Frame, Why Do We Celebrate the Fourth of July? 195, sponsored by Barbara-Rose Collins (D-MI). From GBH'sBasic Black: aJuneteenth episode featuringguests: Annette Gordon-Reed, Harvard Univ. Here's how it got its start. a.NSbutton {background-color:#0081c6; " Juneteenth " commemorates the day June 19, 1865 that 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, and informed the remaining 250,000 enslaved Americans that the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln granted them freedom. The day is also called Emancipation Day and Freedom Day. How do you explain Juneteenth to a child? When he first announced the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln officially ended the enslavement of people halfway through the Civil War. Owning land was something that enslaved African Americans were never allowed to do, so having a place set aside to celebrate their freedom was a powerful symbol of their new status. On June 16, 2021, Illinois adopted a law changing its ceremonial holiday to a paid state holiday. 2 min read. Juneteenth is usually celebrated on the third Saturday in June. Also in 2020, a number of major universities formally recognized Juneteenth, either as a "day of reflection" or as a university holiday with paid time off for faculty and staff. Improved homework resources designed to support a variety of curriculum subjects and standards. In the year 2000, the Juneteenth flag was revised, and the date June 19th, 1865, was added. The military was trusted with the protection and basic well being of the freed slaves, however, many plantation owners refused to accept the abolition of slavery and formed violent groups to discourage the slaves from leaving the farms. The initial date for freeing slaves across the South was . Baker did not comment on these bills specifically, but promised to grant the observance of Juneteenth greater importance. Over time it has become the most famous Independence movement in African American History. At the time, there was scarce Union Military presence in the region. Longstanding urban legend places the historic reading of General Order No. With its adoption in parts of Mexico, the holiday has become an international holiday. The same safe and trusted content for explorers of all ages. Members of the SambaFunk! The last amendment was ratified in 1870. The Juneteenth flag is blue and white with a white star in the middle; surrounding the star is an outline of a bursting star. Juneteenth is a state or ceremonial holiday in all states except Hawaii, North Dakota, and South Dakota. To spread the word about freedom, Granger and more than 2,000 Union soldiers marched to public buildings and even a church to read the General Order, No. In this article, we will journey through the story of Juneteenth, exploring its significance and why it is a cause for celebration. What Is Juneteenth? Information for Kids and Families Until recently, a few statesincluding Texas, New York, and Virginiaobserved Juneteenth as an official state holiday, and state employees had the day off. In 2019, it became a UNESCO Slave Route Project site and Juneteenth celebrations regularly take place there. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Despite the surrender of Confederate General-in-Chief Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House on April9, 1865, the western Confederate Army of the Trans-Mississippi did not surrender until June 2. The U.S. Government declared Juneteenth an official federal holiday on June 17th, 2021. You can take a look at PBS NewsHour's coverage of Juneteenth and how it fits into the larger conversation about race and racism in America. The people who were freed from slavery celebrated with prayer, feasting, song, and dance. Later that year, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution was passed into law to officially abolish the practice of slavery after nearly 250 years of it in the United States. Its law provided for following the federal law even before it was official. In 1979, the Texas Legislature made the occasion a state holiday. Learn about Juneteenth foods, their meaning and African Americanculinary history. Whether your family honors Juneteenth every year or youre wondering what is Juneteenth and why is it important? youre in the right place. When is Juneteenth celebrated? Karen M. Thomas wrote in Emerge that "community leaders have latched on to [Juneteenth] to help instill a sense of heritage and pride in black youth". In 1991, there was an exhibition by the Anacostia Community Museum (part of the Smithsonian Institution) called "Juneteenth '91, Freedom Revisited." It's the first new one since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was declared in 1983. The red, white, and blue colors represent the American flag, which shows that African Americans and their enslaved ancestors are Americans, and the national belief in liberty and justice for all citizens. The firing by southern forces upon Fort Sumter, South Carolina on April 12, 1861, formally began the war. In 1999, Ralph Ellison's novel Juneteenth was published, increasing recognition of the holiday. text-decoration:none;" From PBS North Carolina's Black Issues Forum: Juneteenth episode in whichMoses Greene of the North Carolina Museum of Art talks about increasing visitor diversity at the museum. Gladys L. Knight writes the decline in celebration was in part because "upwardly mobile blacks were ashamed of their slave past and aspired to assimilate into mainstream culture. The name blends the month and the day this news reached the people of Galveston: June plus nineteenth is Juneteenth. It was first celebrated in Texas on June 19th, 1866, to commemorate the end of slavery and enslaved people first learning. By closing this message, you consent to our use of cookies on this device in accordance with our policy unless you have disabled them. Juneteenth | Facts for Fourth Graders | Twinkl - Twinkl Juneteenth Reads for All Ages | The New York Public Library It was mainly used for Juneteenth celebrations. Juneteenth Facts for Kids The northern states were industrially driven and viewed slavery as unethical and wrong. What kind of Challenges did the Freed People Face? Juneteenth Facts for Kids | KidzSearch.com The Civil War of the United States of America against the Confederate States of America began in 1861 and lasted through 1865. Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bill 50 designating June 19 as a . Juneteenth isnt just about celebrating a day or a single historical event its a celebration of freedom, resilience, community and the possibilities of good things to come. Celebrations often include prayer and religious services, speeches, educational events, family gatherings and picnics, and festivals with music, food, and dancing. Slaveholders in Texas had kept the information to themselves, extending the period of violent exploitation of enslaved African Americans. In many places, Juneteenth has become a multicultural holiday. They commemorated the End of Slavery in America by naming the land the Emancipation Park. It is full of optimistic symbolism. Celebrations are commonly accompanied by voter registration efforts, the performing of plays, and retelling stories. To share with more than one person, separate addresses with a comma. June + Nineteenth = Juneteenth. Graf. But now it's a national holiday for everyone. The government declared Juneteenth a national holiday in 2021. 3 in Galveston was met by celebrations and the following year Freedmen in Texas organized the first annual celebration known as the jubilee day. 3 from the second story balcony of the home. Specifically, this holiday marks the anniversary of when Texas learned that President Lincoln had declared slavery illegal. KidsPlayAndCreate.com is an Amazon Affiliate and may earn a small commission for products that are purchased through Amazon via our affiliate links. Africans were transported to the American colonies throughout the 17th and 18th centuries as slaves. In 1865, there were about 250,000 slaves in Texas. President Lincoln was assassinated in April 1865, just a few months before the Civil War ended and the Proclamation was brought into effect in Texas. It is also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, and Black Devon Galena Independence Day. In February 2022, South Dakota became the last state to recognize Juneteenth as an annual state holiday or observance. In 1996, the first federal legislation to recognize "Juneteenth Independence Day" was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, H.J. In the subsequent revival, large celebrations in Minneapolis and Milwaukee emerged, as well as across the Eastern United States. 3., part of which declared: The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.". Union leader Gordon Granger told the 250,000 enslaved people of Texas that they were free. Juneteenth - All About the Holidays - PBS Kids Beyond Texas, enslaved people were granted freedom at different times, but its still June 19 that many people celebrate as a second Independence Day.. The freedom of former slaves in Texas was given state law status in a series of Texas Supreme Court decisions between 1868 and 1874. 2023 Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Information for Kids and Families, town halls, panels and other discussions for teens to be able to talk about racial inequity and other critical issues on their minds, Young people of any age can build their understanding of civic engagement and exercising their right to be heard, list of 30 books for young readers that are affirming of Black joy, Having open conversations around hard truths about the past can help young people process it, Three Generations and Counting: The Lasting Impact of Boys & Girls Clubs on a Family, Racial Equity, Mental Health, Gender Equality Rank Top Teen Concerns, The Strengths, Struggles and Storytelling of a People Club Teens Learn to Navigate Black History, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Youth. In 1997, Congress recognized the day through Senate Joint Resolution11 and House Joint Resolution56. With that in mind, adjust your conversation to your childs personal development, maturity level and what theyre learning about. Juneteenth has long been celebrated all over the country even though many outside of Texas dont recall learning about it in school. But fireworks go back many years before the first American Independence Day celebration, which took place . This changed in 1872 when Richard Allen, Richard Brock, Jack Yates, and Elias Dibble from the Freedmens Bureau bought 4 acres of land at $800. Expatriates have celebrated it in cities abroad, such as Paris. Why is the holiday called Juneteenth? While some people stayed to work in the new system of employer and hired labor in Texas, many people moved to neighboring states like Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma to live as free people with their families. The federal holiday celebrates the freedom of enslaved people at the end of the Civil War. What are some other facts kids should know about Juneteenth? Photograph by MARLIN LEVISON / Star Tribune via Getty Images. On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger and Union soldiers entered Galveston, Texas, forcing them to free their slaves. (Learn more about Juneteenth at National Geographic. The following year, in 1866, a celebration was had in Texas, the first Juneteenth observance to recognize freedom from slavery in the U.S. Juneteenth is celebrated annually on June 19th. Learn & revise On 19 June 1865, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, received momentous news: slavery had been abolished. It is a symbol of the ending of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth soon saw a revival as black people began tying their struggle to that of ending slavery. Learnthe origin of Juneteenth and look at the parallels of Black liberation work around Reconstruction and Black liberation work, today. This event came to be known as the scatter. Texas would not accept the Emancipation Proclamation and kept their slaves. Texas was the first state to declare Juneteenth a holiday on January 1, 1980. On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with an announcement: Enslaved people there were free. It was common for former slaves and their descendants to make a pilgrimage to Galveston. In 1945, Juneteenth was introduced in San Francisco by a migrant from Texas, Wesley Johnson. This page was last modified on 17 June 2023, at 13:05. A long time ago, there were people called slaves who didnt have freedom. The day was first celebrated in Austin in 1867 under the auspices of the Freedmen's Bureau, and it had been listed on a "calendar of public events" by 1872. Today, it commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and is also known as Freedom Day. On the morning of June19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived on the island of Galveston to take command of the more than 2,000 federal troops recently landed in the department of Texas to enforce the emancipation of its slaves and oversee Reconstruction, nullifying all laws passed within Texas during the war by Confederate lawmakers. This followed the filing of bills by both the House and Senate to make Juneteenth a state holiday. White-dominated state legislatures passed Jim Crow laws imposing second-class status. The Emancipation proclamation Bill of Rights The Emancipation Proclamation is also read and speeches are made. In 2013, the U.S. Senate passed Senate Resolution175, acknowledging Lula Briggs Galloway (late president of the National Association of Juneteenth Lineage), who "successfully worked to bring national recognition to Juneteenth Independence Day", and the continued leadership of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation. From 1940 through 1970, in the second wave of the Great Migration, more than five million black people left Texas, Louisiana and other parts of the South for the North and the West Coast. EMANCIPATION DAY To amend title 5, United States Code, to designate Juneteenth National Independence Day as a legal public holiday. 3, issued by Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, proclaiming freedom for slaves in Texas. The Oak Park Drill Team performs in a Juneteenth parade in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1995. Seventy thousand people attended a "Juneteenth Jamboree" in 1951. May 31, 2022 Juneteenth is a celebration of the day in 1865 when word of Abraham Lincoln's signing of the Emancipation Proclamation which had been signed two years prior and freed all enslaved people made its way to Texas. The Current Issue, a Texas periodical, used the word as early as 1909, and that year a book on San Antonio remarked, with condescension, on "June 'teenth'". It was the only public place in the Houston area which was open to African Americans until the 1950s. The Black community began using the word Juneteenth for Jubilee Day early in the 1890s. If your child is learning about American history, this short video from PBS Kids helps kids explore the history of Juneteenth and how its celebrated by families today. What is Juneteenth Day? JUNETEENTH Facts for Kids Because of Lincolns earlier declaration ending slavery, that meant enslaved people could claim their freedom. Juneteenth is also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, or Jubilee Day.