{"id":9839,"date":"2024-06-18T12:31:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-18T16:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.com\/blog\/?p=9839"},"modified":"2024-06-17T21:23:17","modified_gmt":"2024-06-18T01:23:17","slug":"making-space-for-juneteenth-creative-ways-to-celebrate-and-educate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/2024\/06\/making-space-for-juneteenth-creative-ways-to-celebrate-and-educate\/","title":{"rendered":"Making Space for Juneteenth: Creative Ways to Celebrate and Educate"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"What is Juneteenth, and why is it important? - Karlos K. Hill and Soraya Field Fiorio\" width=\"660\" height=\"371\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lq8TNKZVEWs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the end of slavery in the United States and commemorates the announcement of freedom to enslaved African Americans in Texas, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It offers a profound opportunity to delve into the complexities of American history and the ongoing journey toward equality and justice. Integrating Juneteenth into your classroom can give students a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs that have shaped the nation. Here are some creative and impactful ways to bring Juneteenth into your classroom this month, helping students to connect with history in meaningful ways and celebrate the spirit of freedom and resilience<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Provide Opportunities to Learn about Juneteenth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When celebrating Juneteenth, it\u2019s important first to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of it. You can do this by providing students with a variety of resources and mediums to explore. Below are some books, websites, primary resources, and podcasts to help students gain diverse perspectives and a deeper appreciation of this significant day in American history.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Book Recommendations:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><a href=\"https:\/\/teachersfirst.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2024_JUN_13ran18_Juneteenth_DeLosSantos.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/teachersfirst.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2024_JUN_13ran18_Juneteenth_DeLosSantos-200x300.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9891\" srcset=\"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2024_JUN_13ran18_Juneteenth_DeLosSantos-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2024_JUN_13ran18_Juneteenth_DeLosSantos-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2024_JUN_13ran18_Juneteenth_DeLosSantos.png 735w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/book\/85349244\/juneteenth-for-mazie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Juneteenth for Mazie<\/em><\/a> by Floyd Cooper &#8211; This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a young girl named Mazie who learns about the history of Juneteenth from her father. It\u2019s an accessible way for younger students to connect with the holiday&#8217;s significance through storytelling. The book captures the essence of Juneteenth and its importance in celebrating freedom and resilience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodreads.com\/book\/show\/14891502-all-different-now\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom<\/em><\/a> by Angela Johnson &#8211; This book provides a poignant look at the first Juneteenth through the eyes of a young girl. The lyrical text and vibrant illustrations depict the joy and hope that came with freedom. This book is suitable for elementary students and a great starting point for discussing emancipation and its impact.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodreads.com\/book\/show\/58154364-juneteenth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Juneteenth: A Children&#8217;s Story<\/a> by Opal Lee &#8211; Written by the &#8220;Grandmother of Juneteenth,&#8221; this book offers an authentic and heartfelt account of the holiday. Opal Lee\u2019s personal connection to Juneteenth makes this an inspiring read for students, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and celebration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Websites:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nmaahc.si.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">National Museum of African American History and Culture<\/a> &#8211; This toolkit offers extensive resources, including articles, videos, and virtual exhibits that delve into the history and significance of Juneteenth. It\u2019s a valuable tool for both educators and students to explore!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.history.com\/news\/what-is-juneteenth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">History.com Juneteenth<\/a> &#8211; This site provides a detailed overview of Juneteenth&#8217;s history and significance, including videos and articles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Primary Resources:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2015\/06\/19\/415809476\/juneteenth-marks-day-slaves-in-texas-were-told-they-were-free\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">&#8216;Juneteenth&#8217; Marks Day Slaves In Texas Were Told They Were Free<\/a><strong> <\/strong>&#8211;<strong> <\/strong>Listen to an interview with Laura Smalley, a Texas woman born into slavery and freed when federal troops came to Galveston.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History<\/strong> (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.teachersfirst.com\/single.cfm?id=10030\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reviewed here<\/a>) &#8211; Explore <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gilderlehrman.org\/history-resources\/curriculum\/juneteenth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">this curated list<\/a> of primary sources on the Institute&#8217;s Juneteenth historical holiday page.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tshaonline.org\/handbook\/entries\/juneteenth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Juneteenth entry<\/a> in the digital state encyclopedic <em>Handbook of Texas<\/em> includes primary source photos and documents connected to the holiday.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Podcasts:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.learningforjustice.org\/podcasts\/teaching-hard-history\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Teaching Hard History by Learning for Justice<\/a> &#8211; This podcast offers educators strategies for teaching difficult historical topics, including Juneteenth. It includes interviews with historians and educators, making it a valuable lesson-planning resource.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Incorporating these diverse resources into your curriculum can help students gain a richer, more nuanced understanding of Juneteenth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Explore Celebrations Across the Country<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After providing a sound foundation for the history of Juneteenth, help students explore how Juneteenth is celebrated across the country. Understanding the diverse ways Juneteenth is celebrated can broaden students&#8217; perspectives of the holiday&#8217;s significance. Below are some examples and links to organizations and events that highlight these celebrations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.juneteenthmusicfestival.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Juneteenth Music Festival<\/a> (Denver, CO) &#8211; This annual festival features live music, cultural performances, and educational activities celebrating African American culture and history.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.juneteenthny.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Juneteenth NYC<\/a> (New York, NY) &#8211; This event includes a parade, live performances, and community discussions, offering a vibrant celebration of Juneteenth in one of the nation\u2019s largest cities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/diversitycomm.net\/diversitycomm\/how-communities-across-country-celebrating-juneteenth\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How Communities Across the Country are Celebrating Juneteenth<\/a> &#8211; From Houston, TX to Milwaukee, WI to Atlanta, GA, learn how eleven cities are celebrating.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.choosechicago.com\/blog\/special-events\/celebrate-juneteenth-in-chicago\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Celebrate Juneteenth in Chicago<\/a> (Chicago, IL) &#8211; Chicago celebrates Juneteenth by exploring and discovering Black history, culture, and traditions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These examples can inspire students to think creatively about honoring Juneteenth in their communities!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Incorporate Student-Driven Celebration Ideas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let students take ownership of their learning by developing their own ways to celebrate Juneteenth in the classroom and school community. Below are some potential ideas you can propose, but use this chance to let students take the reigns:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Organize a Juneteenth art exhibition &#8211;<\/strong> Feature student-created artwork and poetry that reflects the themes of freedom, resilience, and African American history.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Plan a virtual assembly or presentation <\/strong>&#8211; Have students share what they\u2019ve learned about Juneteenth, including historical facts, personal reflections, and creative projects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Create a digital timeline or interactive map<\/strong> &#8211; Showcase significant events and figures related to Juneteenth using tools like Google Earth or Timeline from ReadWriteThink (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.teachersfirst.com\/single.cfm?id=15618\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reviewed here<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Encourage students to think of other creative ways to celebrate, ensuring their ideas are inclusive and respectful of the day&#8217;s significance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No matter how you celebrate, the key is to engage with and honor Juneteenth&#8217;s history and significance. I hope that you consider giving students a chance to take an active role in the celebration. We\u2019d also love for you to share your own ideas and resources in the comments below on how you\u2019ll commemorate this important day in your classrooms!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the end of slavery in the United States and commemorates the announcement of freedom to enslaved African Americans in Texas, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It offers a profound opportunity to delve into the complexities of American history and the ongoing journey toward &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/2024\/06\/making-space-for-juneteenth-creative-ways-to-celebrate-and-educate\/\" class=\"more-link\">read more &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[202,76,295],"class_list":["post-9839","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-classroom-application","tag-african-american-history","tag-holidays","tag-juneteenth"],"modified_by":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9839","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9839"}],"version-history":[{"count":38,"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9839\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9846,"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9839\/revisions\/9846"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9839"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9839"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9839"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}