Juneteenth

JUNETEENTH

RESOURCE TOOLKIT FOR AMERICAN SPACES

This Resource Toolkit contains lesson plans, videos, exhibits, and articles to be used at American Spaces to recognize Juneteenth’s role in U.S. history.

VIEWING AND READING

Miss Juneteenth
Kanopy Film: 2020, 99 minutes
A single mom prepares her rebellious daughter for the “Miss Juneteenth” Beauty Pageant

A NEW FEDERAL HOLIDAY

In 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill that officially made June 19th a federal holiday. Commonly called Juneteenth, this marks the day when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas were finally informed of their freedom in 1865, two years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Today it is a nation-wide holiday commemorating the freedom, progress, and culture of Black Americans.

“Today, we recommit to moving toward racial justice and equity at home and abroad. We call upon the international community to join the United States in honoring the contributions of people of African descent around the world and echo our promise that, despite the most painful parts of our history, we can and will change.”

ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE

RESOURCES

Audio

Teaching Guides

American Spaces Collections (American Spaces Collections includes a selection of products, including books, games, posters, kits, etc, to be used for programs.)

Additional Resources

VIDEOS ON JUNETEENTH

Washington Post (Duration: 9 min)
History (Duration: 3.5 min)
Vox (Duration: 7 min)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. Have you heard of Juneteenth before?
  2. What is the significance of Juneteenth?
  3. What are some ways people honor and celebrate Juneteenth?
  4. How did Juneteenth become a national, not just regional, celebration?

The views expressed in these links and resources do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. government.

Updated May 2024