Juneteenth Resources for Young Families in Atlanta

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Juneteenth, the 19th of June, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. While the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, enslaved people in Texas, the furthest Confederate state, weren't informed of their freedom until over two years later, on June 19th, 1865. This day became a symbol of liberation and a time for celebration for Black communities nationwide.

This day is a symbol of liberation and a time for celebration in Black communities nationwide. Juneteenth is a chance to celebrate Black freedom, heritage, and resilience and reflect on the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Talking to your children about Juneteenth is important in fostering their understanding of history and creating a more equitable future.

Below are some resources to help educate yourself and your children about Juneteenth:

Educational Resources For All Ages

Books:

“Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth” board book by Tonya Abari.
“Juneteenth for Mazie” by Floyd Cooper.
“The Juneteenth Story: Celebrating the End of Slavery in the United States” by Alliah L. Agostini.
“Juneteenth Jamboree” by Carole Boston Weatherford.
“All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom” by Angela Johnson.
“Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth” by Alice Faye Duncan.
“Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History” or “Little Leaders: Exceptional Men in Black History” from the Little Leaders series by Vashti Harrison.
Learn more about African American folk tales and songs.

Media:

“Keyshawn Solves It” a PBS podcast with 8 episodes
“Understanding & Celebrating Juneteenth” a brochure by National Museum of African American History and Culture
Juneteenth: PBS Kids created this video to talk about Juneteenth.
What Is Juneteenth? a cartoon with fun facts about Juneteenth from FresBerg Cartoon

Juneteenth Family-Friendly Events in Atlanta

Juneteenth Celebration at City Springs: Celebrate Juneteenth at City Springs! This annual free, family-friendly Juneteenth Celebration presented by the City of Sandy Springs promises to be an exuberant tribute to freedom and liberty. Attendees can anticipate an extraordinary experience, as the Juneteenth Celebration will showcase a captivating performing arts production, a STEAM digital art gallery, educational activities, an array of food vendors, and more!

Learn more here: https://www.sandyspringsga.gov/juneteenth

Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival: It is a three-day festival that promises to be a high-spirited celebration of freedom, unity and equality. People can learn more about the festival by visiting juneteenthatl.com.

The parade will begin at noon on June 22. It will start on the Boulevard from Auburn Avenue and go to 10th Street. After the parade, the festival will be held at Piedmont Park from Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Juneteenth Atlanta 5k run: Juneteenth Atlanta is featuring a 5K Freedom Run.

Participants will get their marks at Piedmont Park on Sunday, June 23. The warm-up will begin at 7:30 a.m. to 8:50 a.m., and the race will start at 9 a.m.

Juneteenth Atlanta invites anyone who wants to run "for freedom, liberty, human rights, social justice, judicial reform and world peace."

By having open conversations with your kids, celebrating Juneteenth as a family, and utilizing educational resources, you can foster a deeper understanding of Black history and contribute to a more just future.