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Celebrating Juneteenth with Your Family

Save the Children encourages parents and caregivers to talk with their children about the history of race in America. In anticipation of Juneteenth, our experts have put together a helpful guide for families to educate and engage children around this important holiday. 

A young girl enjoys a book in the library of her school.

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth, short for “June Nineteenth,” commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

When is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is observed every year on June 19.

Why do we celebrate Juneteenth? 

The Civil War ended in April 1865, but news of emancipation didn’t reach Texas until two months later. When troops finally arrived to signal freedom to the state’s 250,000 slaves, celebrations broke out and Juneteenth was born!

How can I teach my child about Juneteenth?

Read! Learn! Listen! Cook and Create! There are so many ways to learn and celebrate Juneteenth. Please enjoy this guide filled with helpful ideas for How to Celebrate Juneteenth with Kids.