In celebration of Juneteenth, also known as “Jubilee Day,” we recognize the liberation and resilience of the African American community.

On June 19, 1865, two-and–a-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, enslaved African Americans in Texas were informed that they were free. Juneteenth is considered the longest running African American holiday and is a time of unity, reflection and rejoicing. Families celebrate over feasts, music, prayer and spending quality time together. The African American National Anthem Lift Every Voice and Sing by James Weldon Johnson is commonly sung in remembrance of history and as a reminder to keep hope alive.

“Lift every voice and sing
Till earth and heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;
Let our rejoicing rise
High as the listening skies,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us.
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
Let us march on till victory is won.”

Juneteenth has been celebrated within Black America long before it was signed into law. The holiday’s nationwide observance is monumental as our country acknowledges a period in our history that shaped and continues to impact society today. In order to go forward, we must grow together and the first step to growth is having conversations and becoming educated. Read more here for tips and resources on how to start the conversation with your kids about Juneteenth.

Here are a few ideas about how you can celebrate Juneteenth this year:

  • Visit/Shop at local Black owned Businesses
  • Support Black creators
    • Read books by Black authors
    • Purchase paintings from Black artists
  • Be of service to others
  • Visit a museum. See a list of museums celebrating below!
  • Have conversations about reducing disparities
  • Research ways you can support the Black Community
  • Check out a Juneteenth reading list here!

Although significant strides have been made, we recognize there is still much work to be done as true freedom is attained through action, understanding and social justice. Allow us to embrace our strength in learning and progress as we continue to make strides toward our collective equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Thank you for being a part of the change we are working to create. Thank YOU for actively building that bridge to success for all of our children and families. Together, we are better. Together, we are CHS.

Museums Celebrating Juneteenth in the United States:

Sources: Martinez, Amanda. 2022 23 Ways to thoughtfully celebrate Juneteenth (2022). GoodGoodGood. https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/how-to-celebrate-juneteenth