Juneteenth is a beautiful and important holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. Celebrated on June 19th, it’s a powerful opportunity to teach young children about freedom, equality, and joy in age-appropriate ways. If you’re wondering how to celebrate Juneteenth with preschoolers or young children, we’ve got you covered with simple activities, crafts, and meaningful book recommendations perfect for home or classroom.

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A Brief History of Juneteenth – Key Facts

• While July 4, 1776 celebrates American independence, it did not fully represent the freedom or rights of enslaved African Americans, Native Americans, or women at that time.
• Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, or Jubilee Day, is celebrated annually on June 19th to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.
• On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all enslaved people in Confederate states were legally free.
• However, many enslavers ignored the proclamation, and enforcement depended on the presence of Union troops.
• On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3, officially informing and enforcing Texans that enslaved people were free.
• This date—June 19—became known as Juneteenth, marking the effective end of slavery in the United States for many African Americans.
• Juneteenth celebrations began the following year (1866), initially with church gatherings, prayer services, and community feasts. It has since evolved to include parades, music, education, and cultural pride.
• Opal Lee is a retired teacher and activist from Texas. In 2016, at 89 years old, she began a 1,400-mile walk from Texas to Washington, D.C. to raise awareness for Juneteenth. Her campaign helped convince lawmakers to recognize Juneteenth as a federal holiday in June 2021.
• Juneteenth is now a day to reflect on African American resilience, celebrate freedom, and educate future generations about the history and continuing impact of slavery in America.

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4 Kid-Friendly Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth

1. Read Aloud Picture Books About Juneteenth

Introduce the holiday through stories that highlight freedom, family, and joy. Here are some favorites:

• Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper – A gentle introduction to Juneteenth told through a little girl preparing to celebrate.
• All Different Now by Angela Johnson – A lyrical book capturing the moment freedom was announced in Texas.
• The Juneteenth Story by Alliah L. Agostini – A beginner’s guide to the holiday’s history.
• My First Juneteenth Book for Toddlers by Ambsachi Nila – Uses simple language, bright and colorful illustrations, and age-appropriate explanations.

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2. Create a Juneteenth Flag

The Juneteenth Flag is full of powerful symbols. The flag is a reminder of freedom, strength, and the continuing journey toward equality. Here’s what each part represents:

• ⭐ The star in the middle stands for Texas and the freedom of Black Americans in all 50 states.
• 🌟 The burst (or nova) around the star represents a new beginning.
• The curved line across the flag is a horizon—symbolizing hope and a bright future.
• 🇺🇸 The red, white, and blue colors show that formerly enslaved people and their descendants were and are American.
• 📅 The date “June 19, 1865” is included to mark the day when the last enslaved people in the U.S. learned they were free.

Download my free Juneteenth Flag template to make your own!

3. Color and Talk About Juneteenth with Kids in an Age-Appropriate Way

Download the Juneteenth Flag coloring page while you talk and sing about Juneteenth.

• Keep language simple: “Juneteenth is a celebration of when African Americans found out they were free. It is a happy day where people celebrate together.”
• Focus on fairness and kindness: Ask questions like, “How can we help everyone feel included?”
• Use positive, age-appropriate messages: Emphasize celebration, community, and history in a way preschoolers can connect with.
• Watch and sing along to the Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth Song by Sesame Street!

4. Have a Family Picnic with Red Foods

Red is a powerful and meaningful color in Juneteenth traditions. It represents the bloodshed and resilience of enslaved African Americans who fought for freedom and justice. Red also symbolizes strength, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of Black communities.

• Red velvet cake or red cookies
• Watermelon, apples and strawberries
• Fruit punch
• Texas style BBQ (since the holiday originated in Texas)

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Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth with Young Children

Even at a young age, children begin forming their understanding of the world. Juneteenth celebrations provide a wonderful chance to talk about diversity, fairness, and community. While you won’t dive deep into complex history with young children, you can plant seeds of empathy and awareness by focusing on freedom, kindness, and cultural celebration.

Celebrating Juneteenth with preschoolers is about sparking curiosity, honoring history, and nurturing empathy from an early age. Through books, crafts, music, and meaningful conversation, you can help young children join in the joy and understand the value of freedom and togetherness.

Let’s raise little learners who celebrate diversity, justice, and love—on Juneteenth and every day!

Sources:

• The White House
• National Archives – Emancipation Proclamation
• National Museum of African American History and Culture
• Opals Walk for Freedom
• Juneteenth Flag is Full of Symbols.

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Other Recommended Crafts & Activities

Check out these other kids craft and activity ideas! From science and crafts, to cooking and travel, there is something for all ages to enjoy!

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