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The Woodland Hills School District would like to wish the entire community a very happy Juneteenth! This very special day, which has been celebrated as Freedom Day, Liberation Day, or Emancipation Day in years past, commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when the enslaved Africans and African Americans held in Galveston, Texas learned of their freedom, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth became a Federal Holiday in 2021.
As we embark upon this holiday weekend, we hope you will all treasure your time with friends and family, and on Sunday, June 19 you will reflect on the significance of this momentous day. Happy Juneteenth!
Please take a moment to review some information on the holiday:
What is Juneteenth?
On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas. He informed the enslaved African Americans of their freedom and that the Civil War had ended. This momentous occasion has been celebrated as Juneteenth — a combination of June and 19th — for over 150 years. In was made a federal holiday in 2021.
What are some good ways to talk to children about Juneteenth?
Aisha White, director of the P.R.I.D.E. Program (Positive Racial Identity Development in Early Education) in the University of Pittsburgh's School of Education’s Office of Child Development shares her thoughts on the subject. CLICK HERE
The goal of the P.R.I.D.E Program is to help young Black children develop a positive racial identity by supporting teachers, parents and other caregivers by providing resources that build their racial knowledge and skills.
What are some good ways to educate children about Juneteenth?
CLICK HERE for an educational guide to Juneteenth and students.
This resource was designed by the National Museum of African American History and Culture's Early Childhood Education Initiative Team. All objects and photographs featured in this resources are from the Collection of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.