A few years back, I stumbled upon a delightful activity featured by the National Museum for African American History and Culture. It was a creative and engaging project to craft a Juneteenth flag, perfect for kids. My daughter absolutely adores any activity involving cutting, collaging, and using magazines, so this was right up her alley! We spent a joyful afternoon together, selecting vibrant images and meaningful symbols to create our unique Juneteenth flag. It was not only a fun craft project but also a valuable opportunity to discuss the significance of Juneteenth and its importance in American history. I’m proud of her creative expression and the meaningful conversations we had. If you’re curious, check out the Instagram post where we proudly shared her finished masterpiece!
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a pivotal date in American history, particularly for African Americans. Named for June 19th, 1865, it marks the day when General Gordon Granger and the Union Army arrived in Galveston, TX, and proclaimed the freedom of enslaved African Americans in Texas. Despite the Emancipation Proclamation taking effect in January 1863 and the Civil War ending in April 1865, it wasn’t until June 19th, 1865, that Union forces enforced this freedom in Texas, the westernmost Confederate state.
It’s important to clarify that while Juneteenth brought freedom to enslaved people in Confederate states, it didn’t immediately apply to those in border states like Maryland, which remained part of the Union and still practiced slavery. The complete abolition of slavery nationwide required the Emancipation Proclamation, the end of the Civil War, and the ratification of the 13th Amendment. These steps collectively ended slavery throughout the United States.
Read more here
National Museum of African American History and Culture. “What is Juneteenth?” National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Institution, https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/what-juneteenth. Accessed June 18, 2020.
In 2021, I embarked on a creative venture by designing several coloring sheets that could be enjoyed alongside a fun activity or independently. This initiative was inspired by our growing interest in celebrating Juneteenth, a holiday I’ve known about since childhood but began actively celebrating in 2018. Last year, we had the incredible experience of attending a Juneteenth Parade, where we proudly adorned ourselves in red, white, and blue to commemorate the occasion (check out the video below!). One of our most memorable celebrations was at a Juneteenth festival in Hyattsville, Maryland, where we immersed ourselves in the vibrant culture and rich history surrounding this important day. These experiences have enriched our understanding and appreciation of Juneteenth, fostering meaningful family traditions and sparking creative endeavors like the coloring sheets.
This year, we’re eagerly planning a festive home celebration for Juneteenth, complete with decorations and fireworks! It’s a special opportunity to create a joyful atmosphere while honoring the significance of this historic day. Reflecting on our journey of embracing Juneteenth, from attending parades to crafting coloring sheets, has deepened our family’s connection to its cultural importance.
As we prepare for our home festivities, I’m curious about your plans. How do you celebrate Juneteenth? Have you discovered any new traditions or activities that resonate with you? I’ve included links to the printable coloring sheets below—please share how they turn out! Let’s continue to commemorate Juneteenth with creativity, reflection, and unity.
Looking forward to hearing about your Juneteenth celebrations and sharing in the joy of this meaningful holiday!
Thanks for reading!
Enjoy!
Maya
