June Blog: Celebrating Juneteenth & Uplifting the Future of Our Children

Opening Prayer:

Let’s start by lifting our spirits in gratitude and remembrance. This month, we celebrate Juneteenth, a day that honors the resilience, strength, and liberation of our ancestors. We also celebrate our children—the future of the African diaspora—who carry with them the rich legacy of our culture, stories, and strength. May we continue to guide them toward love, pride, and empowerment.

Juneteenth: A Day of Freedom & Pride

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is a powerful celebration of liberation and resilience. On June 19, 1865, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce that all enslaved people were finally free.

Why the delay? While President Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, it wasn’t enforced in many parts of the South—especially Texas—until Union troops were strong enough to ensure freedom was upheld.

That day, June 19, became a symbol of true emancipation. Families rejoiced, communities gathered, and the first Juneteenth was born.

Today, Juneteenth is a time to honor our ancestors, reflect on the journey from slavery to freedom, and celebrate Black joy, culture, and strength. In 2021, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday in the United States.

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in United States, and it serves as a powerful reminder of our collective history, struggles, and triumphs. It’s a day to reflect on how far we've come and to celebrate the beauty of our culture, the strength of our community, and the progress that still lies ahead.

In this blog, we'll explore how to celebrate Juneteenth in a way that encourages our children to embrace their history, their future, and themselves with pride.

Books to Inspire:

1. "The Undefeated" by Kwame Alexander – This powerful picture book celebrates the resilience of Black Americans, from slavery to the present. It’s a great read for instilling pride in young readers.

   https://amzn.to/4n2bAJA

2. "Juneteenth for Maizie" by Floyd Cooper – A beautiful book that teaches children about Juneteenth, what it represents, and the significance of freedom.

   https://amzn.to/45KaSe7

   
   

3. "Roots: The Saga of an American Family" by Alex Haley – A classic for older children and teens, it’s an in-depth look at African American history and heritage, perfect for sparking conversations about identity and pride.

   https://amzn.to/4l8n6Bo

   
   

Games & Activities:

1. Juneteenth History Scavenger Hunt – Create a list of historical facts about Juneteenth and key African American figures. As children find the answers, they can learn and discuss what each one means.

   
   

2. Freedom & Family Tree – Have kids create a family tree that celebrates their ancestors. This is a wonderful way for them to learn about their heritage and feel connected to their history.

   
   

3. Word Search: Juneteenth & Pride – A fun and educational way for children to learn key words related to Juneteenth, freedom, and African heritage. They can search for words like "liberation," "equality," and "justice."

   
   

Parental Advice: As we celebrate Juneteenth and our children's cultural heritage, it’s important for parents to instill pride in their children and remind them of their inherent value. This can be done by:

• Sharing family stories about your heritage and ancestors.

• Discussing historical figures like Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Maya Angelou, who paved the way for future generations.

• Emphasizing the importance of education and pride in who they are, no matter what challenges they may face.

  
  

Coloring Pages & Crafts:

Coloring is a great way for kids to engage with the themes of Juneteenth and cultural pride.

• Juneteenth Flag Coloring Page – Teach children about the Juneteenth flag, which represents freedom and pride. Let them color it and learn what each symbol means.

  Juneteenth bundle | Read to you 365

• Black History Heroes – A set of coloring pages featuring influential African American figures who have shaped our history.❤️

  African American Heroes | National Geographic Kids

• DIY African Print Art – Use traditional African print patterns to help children create unique artwork that honors their culture.

  
  

Ending Affirmation:

As we close this month of celebration and remembrance, we leave you with this affirmation:

I am powerful. I am beautiful. I am a child of the African diaspora, and my story is one of strength, resilience, and pride. I carry the legacy of my ancestors, and I am the future of my people I am the hope and the dreams of ancestors realized.

Conclusion: June is not just a month—it’s a time to reconnect, celebrate, and uplift. As we remember the significance of Juneteenth, let's keep empowering our children, teaching them to love who they are, and to know that they are the foundation of a brighter tomorrow. No matter what happens in the world, we are strong, we are beautiful, and we will continue to rise.