By Alice Faye Duncan

What is Juneteenth? It is a joyful day of jubilee. It is the perfect time to party. And while everyone loves music and fun, plenty of people celebrate the occasion without knowing the full scope of its historical significance.

Juneteenth, as it is called, commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers carried news of freedom to the enslaved in Texas, two years and six months after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth now signifies the end of slavery in America’s collective memory. 

In 2021, Texas activist Opal Lee inspired President Biden to sign a law making June 19 a federal holiday. I had an opportunity to interview Opal Lee, who is now considered the grandmother of Juneteenth, in 2020. It bothered her that so many cultures view this occasion exclusively as a Black holiday. Opal Lee said to me, “No matter who you are, Juneteenth is a unifier. It is a special day that represents freedom.” She made it clear that Juneteenth is for everyone because freedom is a universal pursuit. Specifically, the liberation of Black America provides hope to all people in the world denouncing injustice and demanding democracy and freedom.

Opal Lee’s words inspired me to take action. I studied the historical events surrounding Juneteenth. I researched the rituals and foods associated with the holiday. Then I drafted a fun list of activities to encourage children and adults from any culture or community to celebrate Juneteenth in the spirit of freedom, hope, and joy. 

These Juneteenth activities are suited for families, schools, summer camps, bookstores, and libraries. Modify the list as you wish, but remember: Juneteenth is a celebration. So, let the fun begin! 

Gather in a unity circle to read profiles in courage.

Children will be what they see and read. And as young people explore the history of Juneteenth, they will encounter courageous souls like Harriet Tubman, who helped end slavery with daring effort. During the unity circle, Juneteenth history will introduce listeners to Quakers, who helped enslaved people escape on the Underground Railroad. As they learn of General Gordon Granger who descended on Galveston, Texas, to announce liberation, the unity circle will learn about Abraham Lincoln’s courage and friendship with abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Historical profiles like these offer unity circles and study groups a template for compassion and bravery.

Take children on a scavenger hunt in a library or bookstore.

Encourage independent reading. Help children in your family and community find books about American leaders, and everyday people, who helped abolish American slavery and paved a way for America to be the great land of many nationalities, languages, and cultures. Start with names like Sojourner Truth, Richard Allen, Gordon Granger, and Grandmother Opal Lee. And don’t forget to include books about artists and singers who contributed to American liberation movements like Romare Bearden, Mahalia Jackson, and Aretha Franklin.

Organize a unity festival or feast.

From the very first Juneteenth celebration in Galveston until now, Juneteenth hosts prepare vibrant red foods that Black Americans were denied during their servitude. In the early 20th century, Juneteenth guests might feast on tangy BBQ, strawberry pie, and Big Red soda bottled in Waco, Texas. Today, Juneteenth tables are also decked in vegan victuals, fancy tarts, and puckering fruit drinks made from homemade recipes. Juneteenth feasts promote unity and fellowship, as we intentionally expand our tight-knit circle. Therefore, seek ways to connect and share the holiday with new acquaintances beyond your street, your family, and place of worship. 

Encourage children to lead the way. 

In preparation for a Juneteenth feast or unity circle, allow children to make the holiday menu, and let them select passages to read. Perhaps they have favorite historical figures they want to highlight and amplify. As for the guest list, ask children in the family to consider offering invitations to classmates who do not share their same religion, race, or economic status. And as an art activity, give kids an opportunity to design personal invitations on a computer. Or, they can compose and design Juneteenth invitations with crayons and markers.

Sing songs from the past.  

Music has always been a source of joy during moments of hardship. Traditional spirituals encouraged the enslaved to remain steadfast in their hope. Hymns like “Mary Don’t You Weep,” “Deep River,” and “This Little Light of Mine” still have the power to comfort us today. During the unity circle, introduce participants to the joy of spirituals.

Speak words of gratitude. 

Juneteenth is a holiday that honors all the celebrated and unknown ancestors who paved a road toward liberation in America. While there is music and laughter, Juneteenth is also a meditative holiday set aside for more than feasting and fun. Before the day is over, make time to express a rousing gratitude for the barrier-breakers who have made American democracy a reality for all. The goal is to conclude the Juneteenth holiday with a sense of gratitude and a renewed commitment to keep liberty and democracy alive and flourishing. 

Plan for the future. 

Juneteenth celebrations, like birthday parties or Sunday dinner, do not happen without intentional planning. At the conclusion of your Juneteenth gathering, consider how next year’s event can include more participants, inspire greater hope, and spread more joy. 

Alice Faye Duncan is a National Board Educator who writes picture books for children. Her latest book is This Train Is Bound for Glory (WaterBrook, 6/6/23), a vibrant celebration of one of America’s most beloved Black spirituals and the joy of heaven. She is also the author of Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free, a Juneteenth history for children. More books from Alice can be found on her website: www.alicefayeduncan.com.