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June 19th, 2026
Juneteenth
Every year on June 19th, people across the United States celebrate Juneteenth, a holiday that honors freedom, recognizes African American history, and celebrates the strength, resilience, and contributions of Black communities.
For many families, Juneteenth is also an opportunity to have age-appropriate conversations with children about history, fairness, equality, and the importance of treating every person with dignity and respect.
What Is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a celebration of the day that enslaved African Americans in Texas learned they were free.
On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and announced General Order No. 3, informing enslaved people that they were free under the Emancipation Proclamation issued by Abraham Lincoln more than two years earlier.
The delay between the Emancipation Proclamation and the news reaching Texas meant that many enslaved people remained unaware of their freedom. Juneteenth became a day to remember that freedom, while also recognizing the long journey toward equality that continued afterward.
Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, making it the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983.
Why Is Juneteenth Important?
Juneteenth is important because it reminds us that freedom is something to celebrate and protect. It honors the courage and perseverance of generations of African Americans who fought for justice, opportunity, and equal rights.
The holiday is also a chance to celebrate Black culture, including music, art, literature, food, traditions, and the many ways Black Americans have shaped the history and future of the United States.
Juneteenth is not only about learning what happened in the past—it is also about thinking about how we can create a kinder and more inclusive world today.
How Do You Explain Juneteenth to Young Children?
When talking to children about Juneteenth, it is helpful to use simple, honest language that matches their age.
For Preschool and Early Elementary Children:
You might say:
“A long time ago, some people in America were treated unfairly and were forced to work without being paid or having freedom. They were called enslaved people. After many people worked to end slavery, a law was passed saying enslaved people were free. Juneteenth celebrates the day when people in Texas finally learned they were free. It is a day to celebrate freedom and remember why kindness and fairness matter.”
Young children often understand concepts like fairness, kindness, and inclusion. You can connect the conversation to ideas they already know:
- Everyone deserves to be treated with respect.
- Everyone should have the freedom to make choices about their own lives.
- We should stand up when something is unfair.
For Older Children:
Older children can begin learning more about slavery, the Civil War, the fight for civil rights, and the ongoing work toward equality.
You can explain:
“Juneteenth reminds us that history can be complicated. A law can change, but making sure everyone is treated fairly can take much longer. Learning history helps us understand the world today and how we can make better choices.”
Ways Families Can Celebrate Juneteenth
There are many meaningful ways families can recognize Juneteenth:
Read Books Together
Choose books that celebrate Black history, culture, and experiences. Children’s books can help introduce important topics in an approachable way.
Learn About Important Figures
Explore the lives of people who helped shape history, such as:
- Harriet Tubman
- Martin Luther King Jr.
- Maya Angelou
- Thurgood Marshall
