Summary
On June 19, 1865, enslaved people in Texas learned they were free. Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation two years before—and the Civil War had finally ended in April of 1865. The news just took a while to reach Texas, the westernmost state in the Confederacy. Half a year later, slavery was abolished nationwide with the 13th Amendment. Still, the holiday of Juneteenth has come to symbolize the end of American slavery. Black Texans observed the anniversary with song, games, and barbecue, despite the threat of violence and laws that rendered them second-class citizens. The holiday spread north along with the Great Migration, and gained prominence during the Civil Rights Movement. Festivities grew to include parades, street fairs, presentations about Black heritage, and red food and drink. Juneteenth was declared a state holiday in Texas in 1980, and became a federal holiday in 2021. Many think of the occasion as a second Independence Day, because it celebrates when all Americans became free. Press "play," and join in on the celebration!
Viewer safety
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
A few questions to talk through after watching Juneteenth:
- What is one new thing you learned about juneteenth?
- Can you explain it to a partner in your own words?
- Where might you see this in the real world?
- What is one question you still have?
Quick work-a-long
Try it:
- Write one sentence explaining juneteenth.
- Draw or give one example of your own.