Every year on June 19, families across the United States celebrate Juneteenth, a holiday that honors the end of slavery in the United States. The name combines the words "June" and "nineteenth" and marks June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Texas were finally told they were free.
Some parts of history can be hard to explain to young children, but Juneteenth is a great opportunity to teach important values like freedom, kindness, fairness, and community.
1. Read Together
Stories are one of the best ways for children to understand big ideas. Read age-appropriate books that celebrate Black history, culture, and the meaning of freedom. Reading helps start conversations and give children a safe space to ask questions.
Here are a few suggestions:
Baby Young, Gifted and Black by Jamia Wilson
Let’s Celebrate Junteenth - An Inclusive Holiday Board Book for Babies and Toddlers by Mudpuppy, Tonya Abari
The Juneteenth Story: Celebrating the End of Slavery in the United States by Alliah L. Agostini
Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth by Alice Faye Duncan
Jayylen’s Juneteenth Surprise by Lavaille Lavette
2. Start a Conversation Around Kindness & Fairness
Young children may not understand all the details of history, but they do understand what it means to be fair. Explain that Juneteenth celebrates the day when many people who had been treated unfairly finally learned they were free.
You might say:
"Juneteenth is a special day that celebrates freedom and reminds us that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness, fairness, and respect."
Simple and honest conversations like this help children build empathy and understanding.
3. Create a Juneteenth Craft
Hands-on activities help children connect with new ideas. While you create together, talk about kindness and why it matters. Try our Kindness Quilt coloring activity, available on the Cuyahoga Parents Connect Free Printables page.
4. Attend/Host a Celebration
Many communities hold Juneteenth festivals, parades, educational events, and family activities. These celebrations let children experience music, art, food, and traditions that honor their culture/Black history and culture. Be sure to check our Event Calendar for local Juneteenth activities.
Your own family may wish to celebrate by hosting a family cookout, making a traditional recipe together, or visiting a local Black-owned business in your community.
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Juneteenth is more than a history lesson. It is a chance to teach children about freedom, compassion, and respect for others.
By introducing these ideas in simple, age-appropriate ways, parents and caregivers can help children develop empathy and a deeper appreciation for our nation's history and the many people who helped shape it.