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This Juneteenth, learn about the history of the holiday and explore curated, family-friendly resources to help you share the day with your kids and discover events together.
History of Juneteenth
Did you know that family reunions in the Black community began as an effort to reunite families whose members had been sold to different plantations during slavery? This is just one example of traditions we might acknowledge without understanding their deep historical significance.
Juneteenth—celebrated on June 19—marks the day that the last enslaved Americans in Galveston, Texas, were freed by Union troops in 1865. This was more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing slaves throughout the United States.
Juneteenth is known as “Freedom Day,” and our country’s second independence day. It has long been celebrated by Black Americans, especially in the South. It officially became a holiday in 2021, thanks in large part to 97-year-old-activist Opal Lee, who was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2022 for her contributions to making Juneteenth a federal holiday.
Family-Friendly Juneteenth Resources
- Share these songs about Juneteenth with your kids from Gracie’s Corner and Sesame Street.
- Enjoy this video from PBS specifically designed for young kids to learn about Juneteenth.
- Explore some of the exciting family-friendly Juneteenth events happening in and around Chicago, including the DuSable Museum’s Juneteenth Celebration, Bronzeville’s Annual Juneteenth Community Celebration, and the Chicago Urban League’s Juneteenth Community Festival.
Discover More Resources for Parents
At Illinois Action for Children, we are committed to supporting and empowering parents. From child care assistance to early learning opportunities, find resources for parents and families:
