Does your family celebrate Juneteenth? Whether your family honors Juneteenth every year or you’re wondering “what is Juneteenth and why is it important?” you’re in the right place. To learn more about this holiday, how to celebrate Juneteenth, and how to talk about Juneteenth with the young people in your life read on.
What is Juneteenth?
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring a formal end to slavery in the United States. Nearly two years later on June 19, 1865, African Americans of Galveston, Texas got the news that freedom had come at last by Union army troops. The following year, the people of Galveston commemorated that day as Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom. Since 2021, the holiday has been recognized as a federal holiday and it has been observed in communities and states as a holiday.
How do you Explain Juneteenth to Children & Teenagers?
Remember when speaking with children and teens it is important to remember that Juneteenth is a celebration – a celebration of freedom and the joyful recognition of the perseverance and spirit of Black people in this nation.
When talking with children and teens, keep in mind, your child’s personal development, maturity level and what they’re learning about. For young children, you can share that Juneteenth is a holiday that celebrates freedom for all people in the United States. Define “freedom” and ask them what freedom means to them.
With teens, have more nuanced conversations around Juneteenth – exploring concepts of freedom and civil rights, racism and prejudice, and modern-day racial injustice.
Juneteenth isn’t just about celebrating a day or a single historical event – it’s a celebration of freedom, resilience, community and the possibilities of good things to come. Here are some great ways to celebrate Juneteenth with the young people in your life:
- Create some opportunities for youth to connect with the important people in their lives and the histories and stories that make us who we are.
- Help teens register to vote.
- Support Black- owned businesses.
- Offer virtual experience to young kids to educate and celebrate Black culture.
- Get tween or teens on the move with the “Black History Bootcamp: The Walking Podcast” by Girltrek.
- Find media that celebrates Black identity, family, friendships, and connection.
- Encourage teens to discuss history on their terms.
Juneteenth is a time for reflection, education and most importantly, celebration. By sharing Juneteenth with the young person in your life, you’re educating them on American history, the perseverance and spirit of Black people in this nation and the joy of freedom.
2023 Celebrate Juneteenth Events in Galveston
- Juneteenth Celebrations, Tributes & Events Around Galveston: The Birthplace of Juneteenth | Daily – While the biggest events happen the weekend of Juneteenth itself—Monday, June 19, 2023—the month of June is filled with special Juneteenth events and activities, not to mention many permanent tributes and installations on the island. Dates and times vary.
- Sounds of Freedom: Pioneers & Notables of Galveston’s Black Music History at Galveston Island Convention Center | Thursday, June 15 – The NIA Cultural Center presents this symposium in Galveston, celebrating Juneteenth while creating a space for dialogue with panel discussions that explore the pioneers and notables of Galveston’s Black music history. Plus, guests can enjoy live music and cultural performances. Admission is pay-what-you-can; donations recommended. 1 pm to 5 pm.
- 9th Annual Juneteenth Gala at 1859 Ashton Villa | Thursday, June 15 – The annual gala welcomes Mr. Shawn Bailey, president and CEO of Amoco Credit Union, to the historic residence for a talk and dinner event. $40 and up. 6:30 pm to 9 pm.
- Juneteenth Emancipation Celebration at the Grand 1894 Opera House | Friday, June 16 – Galveston’s historic opera house hosts the second annual concert, featuring Grammy-winning gospel artist Reverend Smokie Norful, Zacardi Cortez and Sunday’s Best gospel diva Amber Bulluck. $20 and up. 7 pm.
- Juneteenth Parade & Picnic in Galveston | Saturday, June 17 | FREE – Traveling 15 blocks down Avenue H, the annual Legacy of Juneteenth Parade will again work through Downtown Galveston, before ending at Wright Cuney Park for a 2pm community picnic. 1 pm to 5 pm.
- Juneteenth Festival 2023 at McGuire Dent Recreational Center | Saturday, June 17 | FREE – Along Seawall Boulevard, this family-friendly fest will be packed with a local vendor market, food and performances, just steps from the shores of the Gulf. 1 pm to 8 pm.
The annual Juneteenth Festival brings a marketplace and more to the shores of Galveston | Courtesy of Visit Galveston
- Juneteenth Civic Season Event: A Slice of History at Rosenberg Library | Saturday, June 17 | FREE – In the heart of Downtown Galveston, students ages 13 to 17 are welcome at this library event co-sponsored by the Smithsonian Institute that will discuss historical impact and lessons we can take away for civic life. 3 pm to 6 pm.
- Juneteenth Comedy Fest at Galveston Island Convention Center | Saturday, June 17 – Ahead of Juneteenth, the Galveston convention center hosts an all-star lineup of touring Texas comedians, including Billy D. Washington, Rodney Bigham, Dave Lawson and more. $20 and up. 7 pm.
- The Galveston Symphony Celebrates Juneteenth at the Grand 1894 Opera House | Sunday, June 18 | FREE – More than 50 musician performers come together between the Symphony and Galveston Heritage Chorale for an epic concert celebrating Juneteenth at the birthplace of the holiday, with a night of historical African American music. 4 pm.
- Juneteenth Sneaker Ball at Moody Gardens | Sunday, June 18 – The Galveston Council of Greeks hosts this first-ever Sneaker Ball, where patrons will cap off their black tie and gala attire with fashionable sneakers for this signature celebration taking place at Moody Gardens. $85 and up. 8 pm to 1 am.
- 44th Annual Al Edwards Juneteenth Celebration at 1859 Ashton Villa | Juneteenth, Monday, June 19 | FREE – Take in a live reading of General Order No. 3, which declared freedom for enslaved people, at the island’s official Juneteenth historic monument at the 1859 Ashton Villa. 10 am to 11 am.
- Juneteenth Family Fun Day at Reedy Chapel AME | Juneteenth, Monday, June 19 | FREE – The historic Reedy Chapel AME church hosts a free community block party with food, games, prizes and more for families and those celebrating Juneteenth. Then, cap off the 158th Juneteenth by taking part in a historic reenactment of the emancipation march from the Chapel to the Galveston Courthouse to hear General Order No. 3, declaring “all slaves are free!” Block party from 1 pm to 6 pm; march event from 6 pm to 8 pm.
Enjoy the Celebrate Juneteenth Holiday!
Visit my Listings Page, Listings (mygalvestonrealtor.com) to view “Homes For Sale” in Galveston and My Home Page, Home of a real estate pro (mygalvestonrealtor.com) to learn more about my real estate services.