Juneteenth is an important day in American history because freedom is an important part of our history.
Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 the end of the Civil War was announced in Texas or the end of slavery in the United States.
The day has always been a time of celebration, especially in the African American community, and its significance only continues to grow: In 2021, Juneteenth National Independence Day was designated a U.S. Federal holiday.
Want your family to take part in this important and historical celebration of freedom? Here are four ideas how:
Attend Longmont and Boulder County Juneteenth events
 Maxim's Images via Canva |
Juneteenth Weekend Events:
June 16, 2022 - Flag Raising Ceremonies *Various Locations*
City of Louisville, 10:00 am
749 Main St. Louisville, CO 80027
-
Town of Erie, 4:00 pm
645 Holbrook St. Erie, CO 80516
---------
June 17, 2022 - Flag Raising Ceremonies *Various Locations*
City of Longmont, 10:00 am
350 Kimbark St. Longmont, CO, 80501
-
City of Boulder, 4:00 pm
1777 Broadway Boulder, CO 80302
----------
June 18, 2022 - Youth Art Development Workshops & Showcase Performances
9:00 am- 7:30 pm
City of Longmont Museum
400 Quail Rd., Longmont, CO 80501
Youth Workshops begin at 9:00am
Lunch is provided to the workshop participants at 12:00pm
Showcase Performances begin at 4:30pm
Reception begins at 6:00pm
Full-day of sessions designed to engage youth in various art forms from African dance and African drumming, to singing and journalism. All youth ages 8-18 are invited to participate.
---------
June 19, 2022 - Juneteenth Outdoor Community Celebration w/ Congressman Joe Neguse
1:00 pm- 6:00 pm
Roosevelt Park, 700 Longs Peak Ave, Longmont, CO 80501
*Event Coordinator Longmont City Councilperson Shiquita Yarbrough*
----------
June 20, 2022 - Juneteenth Celebration of Black Excellence: Featuring BVSD/SVVSD 2022 Graduates
11:00 am- 2:00 PM
Boulder High School, 1604 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, CO 8030
Come support and celebrate these amazing Black high school seniors from Boulder Valley School District and St. Vrain Valley School Districts! The event will also include a choir performance!
----------
Tickets are free! CLICK HERE for more information.
Learn about the holiday's meaning
Here's a catchy kid-friendly song from Sesame Street that explains Juneteenth:
For older children, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture’s website offers good information about Juneteenth, including a reading list.
Looking for great kids' books about Juneteenth? We love "Juneteenth for Mazie," about a little girl who is upset about restrictions like bedtime; and "All Different Now," the story of the day freedom arrived in Texas from a little girl's perspective.
Prepare a special meal together
Coming together as a family for a special meal is a traditional way to celebrate Juneteenth. Use the opportunity to explain the importance and meaning of the holiday to your kids.
Want ideas on what to cook? Check this fun video from Thrillist out:
Think about positive changes you'd like to see
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, which is hosting a series of free virtual events this month to mark Juneteenth, suggests a great way to get kids involved and thinking about the meaning behind Juneteenth is to draw a picture, make a sign or write in a journal on the subject of what positive changes they would like to see in the world, and what they can do to help.
 FatCamera via Canva |
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture offers these conversation starters to help kids begin thinking on the project:
- Who or what is important to you?
- What's something you'd like to see change in your community?
- What would your community be like if everyone was healthy, happy, and safe?
- Do you see a problem that needs to be fixed?
- Are there people who should be treated better? How?
- What can you do to make a difference, fix a problem, or help someone?
