Freedom Sounds Like Us

Cristal Tejeda
15 hours ago
3 min read

A June Family Guide to Juneteenth, Music, Literacy & Legacy

"There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about."— Margaret J. Wheatley

Dear Young Scholars and Families,

June is a powerful month.

It is a month of music.

A month of fathers.

A month of freedom.

And a month to remember that every story matters.

This year, families across America are watching important conversations unfold about education, libraries, books, history, and who gets to tell their stories.

At Read to You 365, we believe every child deserves access to books, knowledge, creativity, and the truth.

Because literacy is freedom.

Reading is freedom.

Knowledge is freedom.

And freedom is exactly what Juneteenth is all about.

What Is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is celebrated every year on June 19th.

Although slavery officially ended in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, many enslaved people in Texas were not informed for more than two years.

On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced that enslaved people were free.

That day became known as Juneteenth.

Juneteenth reminds us that freedom delayed is still worth celebrating—but it also reminds us that freedom must be protected.

Today, we honor the courage, strength, and resilience of those who came before us.

Their stories live on through us.

Why Literacy Matters More Than Ever

Throughout history, many Black Americans were forbidden from learning to read and write.

Why?

Because knowledge is power.

Books help us understand ourselves.

Stories help us imagine new possibilities.

Reading helps us build confidence, critical thinking skills, and the ability to change the world.

That is why literacy remains one of the greatest gifts we can give our children.

When children read, they learn that their voice matters.

Libraries Need Our Support

Libraries are more than buildings filled with books.

They are safe spaces.

They provide free internet access, tutoring programs, story times, job resources, and opportunities for families who may not otherwise have access to these tools.

As communities continue discussing funding for educational programs and public institutions, supporting local libraries becomes even more important.

Visit your library this month.

Check out a book.

Attend a program.

Get a library card if you don't already have one.

Small actions make a big difference.

Black Music: The Soundtrack of Our Stories

Before many of our stories were written down, they were sung.

Black music has always been a form of storytelling.

From spirituals and gospel music to jazz, blues, R&B, hip-hop, Afrobeats, reggae, and house music, our music carries history, hope, and culture.

Music teaches.

Music heals.

Music remembers.

Music celebrates.

This month, explore different styles of Black music together as a family.

Ask your child:

• What story is this song telling?• How does it make you feel?• What instruments do you hear?• What message does the artist want us to understand?

Music is literacy too.

Books Celebrating Black Fathers

Fathers, grandfathers, uncles, mentors, coaches, and father figures help shape the future.

This Father's Day, celebrate the men who show up with love.

Family Activity:

Create Your Freedom Playlist

Together as a family:

Pick five songs that make you feel proud.
Pick one song that tells a story.
Pick one song that makes you want to dance.
Pick one song from a different generation.
Explain why each song belongs on your family's Freedom Playlist.

Bonus: Create a cover for your playlist and write a short paragraph about what freedom means to your family.

Name That Tune Challenge

Can your family identify these musical legends?

🎵 The Queen of Soul

🎵 The King of Pop

🎵 The First Lady of Song

🎵 The Godfather of Soul

🎵 The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul

🎵 The King of Reggae

Research together and discover how their music changed the world.

Young Scholar Challenge

This month, read one book.

Learn one new Black history fact.

Listen to one new artist.

Write one poem.

And tell one person why their story matters.

Because every great leader begins as a reader.

And every reader has a story worth sharing.

From all of us at Read to You 365,

Happy Juneteenth.

Happy Black Music Month.

Keep reading. Keep dreaming. Keep shining.

Because your story matters.