It’s the ideal time to celebrate Juneteenth as a family now that it’s a recognized federal holiday in the United States. The freedom of the final set of slaves in the United States is commemorated on Juneteenth. More than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, on June 19, 1865, it was announced to the populace of Galveston, Texas.
On “Sesame Street,” Juneteenth is a day to honor liberty, compassion, and love. To mark this festival of emancipation, my family takes pleasure in crafting crafts, going to neighborhood events, and patronizing small Black-owned businesses.
Trying to figure out how to celebrate this holiday with your kids? Here are five family-friendly ways to commemorate Juneteenth.
1 Read about Juneteenth
You can educate one another about Juneteenth and the significance of the holiday. Visit your neighborhood library, place an online book order, or buy books from a nearby bookstore. Books about Juneteenth or with Black protagonists are widely available. Juneteenth is a good choice for Mazie. That book is adored by my sons! You can talk to your youngster about the book or write down what you discovered together.
2 Have an Outdoor Cookout
The main focus of Juneteenth, like any holiday, is eating delicious cuisine! Along with traditional southern fare, my family enjoys Caribbean cuisine. Include red foods and beverages, such as red velvet cake or strawberry soda. It is a symbol of the sacrifice made by our forefathers and was influenced by common foods found throughout the diaspora. To go grocery shopping for the cookout, invite your youngster. They can add up all the goods on the shopping list or weigh produce in the store using the scale. Allow your child to assist with setting up the table at home or gathering the plates and cutlery.
3 Create Kid friendly Crafts
Throw a crafting party! You may create a Juneteenth Pan-African flag using craft sticks. Because these colors stand for pride and independence, many members of the Black community utilize them to celebrate Juneteenth. to make the flag, have your child paint craft sticks red, black, and green before adhering them on a large craft stick. A cardboard flag for Juneteenth can be made by your family as well. Because former slaves and their descendants are also Americans, the flag’s colors match those of the USA.
4 Attend a Local Celebration
A terrific way to meet other families and develop ties with people from other backgrounds is to attend a local Juneteenth celebration. I took my family to a festival in a nearby community last year in order to promote Black-owned businesses in the area. Different food trucks, bouncy houses, and other enjoyable activities were available. Look to see if there is a gathering in your area. You can also check the webpage for your county or city to see what they have in store.
5 Support a Black Owned Business
The best approach to help your town is to do your shopping locally. Together with your youngster, make a list of three Black-owned companies you want to visit in honor of Juneteenth. Check out this directory if you’re in the Tampa Bay region. Here is a list of companies located all around America. Take a photo at the store or eatery after you make a purchase. Make a digital scrapbook of your experience after that.
Although Juneteenth is a happy holiday, it can sometimes be challenging to understand. There is no ideal way to discuss racism and race with youngsters. These are complicated subjects that may be challenging for younger kids to understand.