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June is one of the most anticipated times of the year. Whether it be for summer break, weddings, or family gatherings, it’s a busy and beloved time. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed the National Juneteenth Independence Day Act into law, making Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday, expanding June celebrations even more.
A brief Juneteenth history
The holiday commemorates how enslaved Black people in the South found out they were free after the Civil War. Even though President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, not all slaves were immediately free. It was not until June 19, 1865, when around 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to share the good news. This day became known to the newly freed people as Juneteenth, or Jubilee Day, and has been celebrated ever since.
Juneteenth Celebration in Emancipation Park in the Fourth Ward, Houston, Texas. 1880. Public domain.
Since then, Juneteenth has continued to commemorate freedom and progress, and is used as a time of reflection. It also provides an opportunity to learn from our past, as well as help to inform how we can work together as a community to build an equitable future for everyone.
Juneteenth resources
Part of that learning is how we share this information with our children. Perhaps you’ve asked yourself how to explain the painful history of slavery that preceded Juneteenth. Thankfully, numerous groups and organizations have worked diligently to create ways that encourage inquisitive minds and foster deep conversations.
To help, we have collected resources from various sources that can be used as a springboard into discussion and education. There’s also a chance to learn about other Juneteenth offerings happening around the city of Indianapolis.
However you choose to honor the day, may it be filled with recognizing the past and planning for a better future for us all.
- Indy Juneteenth
- Influencing Lincoln: The Pursuit of Black Freedom at Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites
- Juneteenth events around Indianapolis
- Juneteenth resource list from The Indianapolis Public Library
- Juneteenth books for kids
- Understanding & Celebrating Juneteenth by the National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Take the Virtual Freedom Walk Tour in Galveston, TX
- The Juneteenth Legacy Project
