While many people in the United States celebrate Independence Day on July 4, there is another date that’s viewed as Independence Day. That’s the holiday known as Juneteenth. Almost two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, news arrived in Galveston, Texas that all slaves were to be set free. The official date, June 19, 1865, became known as Freedom/Independence Day and later, Juneteenth. Although Juneteenth is not an official federal holiday, it’s celebrated throughout the country with parades, family reunions, rodeos, picnics and rich African American traditions.
Resources for More Information
- Informational Videos:
- “What is Juneteenth?” (Cartoon, Fun Facts About Juneteenth, 2:28)
- “Juneteenth” (PBS Kids, 1:25)
- Websites
- “Holidays: Juneteenth”
- “The Importance of Juneteenth” (Social Studies for Kids)
- Recommendations from Chicago Public Library
- Informational Videos:
- “What is Juneteenth?“ (Inside Edition, 3:01)
- “The Meaning Behind Juneteenth” (Global News, 2:54)
- “Juneteenth Celebrates Freedom from Slavery in US” (Newsy, 2:19)
- “What is Juneteenth?” (Huffington Post, 2:30)
- Websites
- Chicago Public Library’s Black Lives Matter eBook List