As the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, Juneteenth is an opportunity to acknowledge the suffering caused by slavery, celebrate African American culture and history, and continue fighting for racial equality.

Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19 when enslaved Texans learned they were free in 1865  – two months after Robert E. Lee surrendered, ending the Civil War, and two and a half years after U.S. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. It is a day to acknowledge the suffering caused by slavery and that the battle for racial equality continues today. The holiday offers the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of African-American people and learn about, teach, and reflect on the complex history of the United States.

Juneteenth was established as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, by President Joe Biden. Communities across the country commemorate the holiday by holding rodeos, street fairs, cultural and religious programs, cookouts, and family reunions. Traditions include public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, singing the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and reading works by noted African Americans such as Martin Luther King Jr, Malcolm X, Toni Morrison, and Maya Angelou. 

This year, the County Board of Education passed a resolution recognizing Juneteenth and calling on all to educate themselves and others about the history of Juneteenth, celebrate African American culture and history, and commit to building a country free of systemic racism. Learn more about Juneteenth and how to engage students through the following resources.