Juneteenth combines “June” and “nineteenth.” It’s also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Emancipation Day.
Even though President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation officially ending slavery in 1863, in practice it remained in some parts of the country. On June 19, 1865, word that the Civil War was over and slavery was abolished finally made it to enslaved people in Galveston, Texas—and celebrations throughout the newly free Black community followed, which in time became an annual tradition across the U.S.
We asked our Girl Scout community how they intend to commemorate the day this year. We heard about plans to gather and celebrate with family and friends, as well as plans to educate others, learn more, and reflect on the history of the occasion.
We hope you’ll share on social media how you or your troop are observing Juneteenth, tagging us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can also send us a private message.
For more on the history of Juneteenth, check out KidsKonnect’s Juneteenth facts and worksheets and the National Museum of African American History & Culture's Historical Legacy of Juneteenth.