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From Galveston to Today: Juneteenth

Juneteenth, celebrated each year on June 19, marks one of the most profound moments in American history—the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally received word that they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed. This day is a powerful reminder of both the enduring strength and resilience of African Americans and the long, often painful journey toward freedom and equality in our nation. This week, we’re sharing resources—including articles, lesson plans, videos, and more—to help bring the significance of Juneteenth to life for your students in a meaningful and age-appropriate way.

Grades K-12

Teaching Juneteenth and the Meaning of Freedom

View this collection of lesson plans, videos, and background readings designed to help K-12 educators teach the complex history of emancipation and the enduring legacy of slavery. It emphasizes the importance of an honest and accurate American history.

Grades 2-6

Celebrating Juneteenth

Share this kid-friendly article (featuring authentic photos) that explores how Juneteenth became a federal holiday, tracing the history from the Emancipation Proclamation to June 19, 1865, when enslaved Texans finally learned they were free.

Grades K-12

Juneteenth Lesson Plan: Resources for ELA & Social Studies

Explore ready-to-use Juneteenth lesson plans for ELA and social studies, featuring leveled texts for differentiation, primary sources, multimedia activities, and graphic organizers to spark deep historical inquiry in grades K–12.

Grades 2-8

What is Juneteenth, and Why is it Important?

Learn about the story of Union general Gordon Granger and his troops’ march into Galveston, Texas, to announce that all enslaved people were free by completing this interactive lesson and video presentation.

Grades K-12

America's Second Independence Day: Juneteenth

Discover this rich Juneteenth resource hub for educators, featuring background information, curated lists of fiction and nonfiction books, classroom activities, extension projects, and standards-aligned tools for K–12 students.

Grades 3-12

Celebrating Juneteenth

Hear Brooklyn poet Shanelle Gabriel reflect on Juneteenth's meaning and join her guided poetry-writing exercise rooted in the theme "Freedom is…"—perfect for sparking creative expression in students. Download the PDF of the poetry worksheet.

Grades K-5

30 Juneteenth Crafts and Activities That Kids Will Love

View this collection of creative, hands-on Juneteenth activities designed to help children learn about Freedom Day in an engaging and age-appropriate way. The site includes a variety of crafts such as flag projects, sensory bins, bracelets, and more.

Grades K-6

Understanding & Celebrating Juneteenth

Download and share this PDF, a family-friendly guide from the National Museum of African American History and Culture that offers age-appropriate ways to talk about slavery, freedom, and Juneteenth, plus activities and book recommendations for students.

Grades 5-8

A Juneteenth Gathering

Share this circle-based lesson where your students can explore Juneteenth's history through readings and discussion prompts on community, liberation, and freedom, bringing joy and celebration into the classroom.

Grades 3-12

The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth

Explore the powerful history behind Juneteenth, including personal narratives and historical documents that offer insights into the United States’s second Independence Day. Scroll to the bottom and find the Juneteenth Digital Toolkit.

This Week at TeachersFirst

This week, we invite you to register for our summer book study—a great opportunity to learn more about using generative AI to enhance teaching and learning! We're also sharing a blog post you won't want to miss. Finally, don’t forget that our summer virtual workshops are open for registration—save your spot today!