Juneteenth helps us celebrate various aspects of Black culture. A culture that is rich and diverse. Encompassing a wide range of traditions, arts, music, literature, cuisine, and more.
It seems like every time we turn around Black culture is under attack. There are countless attempts at silencing Black voices. Black culture plays a significant role in shaping history and WE should all be learning about it. However, in recent years, numerous pieces of legislation have been put in place to ensure my kids (and yours!) will never hear about any of these contributions. That’s why we are making sure that our kids will always know the struggles and racial injustice faced in the African American community. To the achievements and contributions of Black people in various fields.
Juneteenth is an important holiday for us to celebrate Black resistance and Black joy.
What is Juneteenth?
This history of Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, or Jubilee Day is a national holiday celebrated on June 19th in the United States. It commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and represents a significant milestone in American history.
On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced General Order No. 3, which proclaimed the freedom of enslaved individuals in Texas. This announcement came more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Lincoln in 1863. Due to the lack of Union presence in Texas during the Civil War, the news of the proclamation and the end of slavery had not reached the state until Granger’s arrival.
Why do we celebrate Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a time to reflect upon the struggles and achievements of African Americans throughout history. It means so many different things to every family. However, what we all share is the desire to celebrate the freedom and resilience of the community. Different Juneteenth activities bring people together to honor the contributions of African Americans to society. It’s a great way to promote education and awareness about the history of slavery and the ongoing fight for equality.
Why did it take so long for Juneteenth to become a federal holiday
In 1980, Texas became the first state to designate Juneteenth as a state holiday. President Joe Biden signed the bill into law on June 17, 2021, officially designating June 19th as Juneteenth National Independence Day. This came a year after the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and numerous others at the hands of a racially unjust system.
The journey to establishing Juneteenth as a recognized holiday involved a combination of historical circumstances, societal progress (or lack thereof), and grassroots advocacy. Even though it’s a milestone, there’s still progress to be made.
This Juneteenth, engage your kids in learning about this important day through fun and educational crafts.
What are some easy Juneteenth crafts for kids?
Juneteenth Flag Craft
The Juneteenth flag was created by Ben Haith. The flag features three colors: red representing the bloodshed of slaves during their struggle for freedom; blue representing the ocean waters crossed by slaves brought to America; and white representing the purity of freedom achieved after emancipation. In the center of the flag is a bursting star, also known as the “Lone Star.” This star represents Texas, the state where Juneteenth originated.
To create this Juneteenth craft with your young children, all you need is a few items. Grab some construction paper in the colors red, blue, and white (or paint if you prefer), glue, scissors, and some markers or crayons. Cut out rectangles from each color of paper and glue them together vertically to form your own flag. Then use markers or crayons to add stars around the border.
Underground Railroad Quilt Craft
The Underground Railroad was a secret network of people who helped slaves reach freedom through various safe houses across many states using coded messages including quilts made up of different patterns as well as other clues.
To make an Underground Railroad quilt craft with your kids, gather some colorful fabric scraps. Red represents danger along the escape route while green represents safety. Cut them into squares or rectangles. Arrange them in different patterns then stitch them together like a patchwork quilt.
Freedom Bell Wind Chime Craft
In 1865 Union soldiers arrived on Galveston Island in Texas announcing that slavery had ended. President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation two years earlier. Enslaved Africans celebrated joyfully by ringing bells throughout the night. A Freedom Bell wind chime craft is a great way to commemorate this important moment in history.
To create a Freedom Bell Wind Chime with your kids, you will need to gather some craft kit pieces. This Juneteenth activity requires small bells, string or twine, beads, and white cardstock for the bell shape. Cut out two identical bell shapes from the cardboard and decorate them with markers or paint. Then poke holes around the edge of each bell shape and thread the string through them.
These Juneteenth crafts for kids aren’t the only way to celebrate in your local community
Traditions and celebrations of Juneteenth events often include community gatherings, parades, historical reenactments, live music, picnics, and barbecues. It serves as an opportunity for individuals and communities to engage in discussions about racial justice, civil rights, and the importance of equality for all.
Here in our community, we will be attending a few events at our local botanical garden. The family event celebrates freedom, and community and spotlights the African American experience. There will be musical performances, dance, food trucks, a live painting experience, and more family-friendly activities.
I will also be joining in on a virtual webinar. We will be discussing with local Black and Brown environmental justice voices to discuss the impact of environmental issues that affect communities.
There isn’t one way to celebrate Juneteenth. All that matters is that it means something to you and your family. Learning about Black culture helps challenge stereotypes and biases that have perpetuated racism and discrimination. By honoring our cultural holidays it provides a more nuanced understanding of the diversity within the Black community. We will continue to teach our children to appreciate the unique contributions of Black individuals and communities to the fabric of society.
[…] DIY Juneteenth flags and banners with your family is an excellent opportunity to engage with African American culture and discuss […]