How to explain Juneteenth to kids

Juneteenth — short for June 19 — marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the U.S. learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It’s a powerful reminder of resilience, freedom, and ongoing progress — and a meaningful opportunity for families to learn together.

But how do you explain Juneteenth to your child? Whether you’re starting with the basics or looking to deepen their understanding, we’ve got you covered with history, age-appropriate talking tips, and fun, educational ways to celebrate as a family.

What is Juneteenth and why does it matter?

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to enforce the emancipation of enslaved people, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. This moment marked the end of slavery across the U.S. and became a symbol of Black liberation and the ongoing journey toward equality.

Though Juneteenth has been celebrated for generations, it officially became a U.S. federal holiday in 2021. That recognition elevated its importance and opened the door for more families to learn and honor the day, including yours.

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How to talk to your kids about Juneteenth

Every child is different, so tailor the conversation to their age and curiosity level. Here are some tips to help guide you:

• Keep it simple for young kids. Try something like: “Juneteenth is the day we celebrate when all people in our country were finally told they were free.”

• Use storytelling. Books, videos, and family-friendly podcasts can help frame the story in ways that kids understand.

• Explain fairness and freedom. Ask questions like, “How would you feel if you weren’t treated fairly?” or “What does freedom mean to you?”

• Encourage questions. Let your child guide the conversation, and be honest when you don’t have all the answers. Then, look them up together.

Ways to celebrate Juneteenth as a family

Celebrating Juneteenth can be done in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to explore as a family:

• Attend a local event. Many cities host parades, concerts, or storytelling festivals.

• Support Black-owned businesses. Make it a family mission to shop intentionally for the day.

• Make a meal together. Cook traditional foods tied to Juneteenth celebrations, like barbecue, red velvet cake, or collard greens, and learn about their origins.

• Create art. Paint a freedom flag or draw pictures inspired by the holiday.

• Write thank-you letters. Honor the activists, past and present, who fought for freedom and equality.

Educational resources for parents and kids

Want to learn together? These resources can support your child’s understanding and curiosity:

• 📚 Books:

  • Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper (ages 4 to 8)

  • All Different Now by Angela Johnson (ages 5 to 9)

  • The Juneteenth Story by Alliah L. Agostini (ages 6 to 10)

• 📺 Videos:

  • BrainPOP – Juneteenth video

  • PBS Kids – “What is Juneteenth?”

• 💡 Interactive tools:

  • Virtual museum tours of the National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Printable coloring pages and activity sheets themed around Juneteenth

Helping kids apply what they’ve learned

Teaching kids about Juneteenth isn’t a one-day event. Here’s how you can help them carry the message forward:

• Encourage empathy. Look for books, shows, and stories that feature diverse voices and perspectives.

• Keep the conversation going. Ask open-ended questions: “What did you learn?” “What do you want to know more about?”

• Make advocacy part of everyday life. Talk about fairness, justice, and inclusion in daily situations — from the classroom to the playground.

FAQ: Juneteenth for parents

Is Juneteenth only for Black families to celebrate?

Not at all. Juneteenth is a part of American history and can be honored by all families who value justice and equality.

How is Juneteenth different from July 4th?

July 4th celebrates American independence from British rule, while Juneteenth marks freedom for enslaved people — a different kind of independence that came nearly 90 years later.

How can I explain why freedom was delayed?

Use this as an opportunity to explain that sometimes change takes time, and it’s important to keep working for what’s right, even when it’s hard.

Related reads to keep the conversation going

• Black History Month for kids: A parent’s guide

• 6 financial heroes to honor this Black History Month

• Financial pioneers to honor this Women’s History Month

Celebrating Juneteenth is about action, empathy, and education. With the right tools, you can help your child grow into someone who honors the past and builds a better future.

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This blog post is provided “as is” and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.