Juneteenth is a celebration of the day in 1865 when word of Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the Emancipation Proclamation — which had been signed two years prior and freed all enslaved people — made its way to Texas.
A combination of the words “June” and “Nineteenth,” Juneteenth was first made an official Texas state holiday in 1979, but since then, people have begun to honor the day (also called Emancipation Day) all around the United States.
Juneteenth is a day for African Americans and Blacks to honor their culture and history, as well as a day for non-Blacks to learn more about this significant day in our country, including why it took over two years for the news to get to Texas and how freed slaves were treated as a result. Above all, it’s a day meant for self-reflection, understanding the truths of the past and the realities of the present.
Here are some ideas for ways to Celebrate Juneteenth with Your Kids:
Read and Learn About Juneteenth as a Family
Celebrating this holiday is only meaningful if you understand what’s being celebrated. Start off by checking out some of the many books that have been written about this holiday and discuss them as a family! If you can’t get your hands on these before June 19, there’s a good chance you can listen to readalongs of some of these on YouTube.
Picture Books & Young Readers
- All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom
By Angela Johnson - Freedom’s Gifts
By Valerie Wesley - Juneteenth Jamboree
By Carole Boston Weatherford - Juneteenth for Mazie
By Floyd Cooper
Chapter Books / Teens
- Come Juneteenth
By Ann Rinaldi - Juneteenth
By Rachel Koestler-Grack - Juneteenth
By Vaunda Micheaux Nelson - Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom
By Charles Taylor - Juneteenth: Freedom Day
By Muriel Miller Branch - Let’s Celebrate Emancipation Day & Juneteenth
By Barbara deRubertis - The Story of Juneteenth: An Interactive History Adventure
By Steven Otfinoski - Tiny’s Emancipation
By Linda Baten Johnson
Create a Juneteenth Feast
Red foods — a symbol of the resilience and ingenuity of enslaved people — are customary on a Juneteenth table. Strawberries, watermelon, red-colored juice, cherry pie, red velvet cake, sausages, hot dogs and barbecue are just some of the red-hued foods you can include in your feast. And don’t forget the soul food: fried chicken, collard greens, mac & cheese. Is your mouth watering yet? Let your kids help you make the menu and decorate the table, and then discuss the significance and history behind the meal you’re sharing.
Make Juneteenth Decorations
You can honor and learn more about this holiday through decor! Do research into where enslaved Blacks came from and honor those places by making a banner of African flags at home with construction paper. Or make your very own Juneteenth flag.
Visit a Juneteenth Celebration
As we move into summer and are able to participate in group activities outside, here are some fun Juneteenth celebrations happening in Southwest Ohio.
5th Annual Paloozanoire Juneteenth Block Party
June 15th | 4 pm – 11 pm | The Banks East Freedom Way, Cincinnati 45202
Set your sights on celebrating this Juneteenth weekend at The Banks in downtown Cincinnati as Pallozanoire hosts its annual Juneteenth Block Party! This epic celebration proudly showcases freedom and the evolution of Black culture while welcoming inclusivity within the community.
Art on the Rise: Juneteenth Celebration
June 15th | 1 pm – 3 pm | Cincinnati Art Museum | 953 Eden Park Drive
The Cincinnati Juneteenth choir joins the Cincinnati Music Accelerator to provide live music and entertainment. Local students perform spoken word responses to the theme of freedom. Walnut Hills Culture Club facilitates a collaborative art-making mural.
Juneteenth Festival
June 15 & 16 | 12 pm – 9pm & 2 pm – 6 pm | Eden Park, Eden Park Drive
Events begin Saturday with a parade of flags representing the African diaspora, followed by an afternoon of historical reenactors, shopping, art, food, health screenings, a chess tournament with cash prizes, supervised children’s area with activities, and two stages of live music and entertainment. Saturday’s music headliner is Lakeside. On Sunday, the Father’s Day Concert features inspirational music and praise dancing in Seasongood Pavilion.
Freedom Day Parade
June 15th | 11 am | Randolph Park | 226 E. Eighth St., Covington
Parade ends at Covington Landing where the Northern Kentucky Juneteenth festival takes place.
Northern Kentucky Juneteenth Festival
June 15th |11 am – 11 pm| Covington Landing | 1 Madison Ave, Covington
Enjoy live entertainment, fashion show, Juneteenth bingo, Black Excellence Awards, spoken word and more. Kidz Fest features bounce house, games, prizes, face painting, Kona Ice. Free.
3rd Annual Juneteenth Parade
June 16th | 10 am | Intersection of W. Court and Linn Streets, up Court Street and halting at the intersection of Plum and Richmond Streets
The theme of “Roots and Rhythm” embodies the essence of Juneteenth, highlighting the rich cultural heritage and the powerful rhythms that unite communities. From traditional African beats to contemporary music genres, the parade will showcase the diversity and vibrancy of African American culture.
Juneteenth Jubilee
June 19th | 10 am – 6:30 pm | National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, 50 E. Freedom Way
Daylong festival features free museum admission all day, live music, programming, community vendors market with 15 minority- and women-owned businesses, and food trucks Sweets & Meats BBQ, Texas Joe Tex Mex, Beverly Ann’s Cookies and Indigenous Chef. Bengals offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. delivers a motivational speech and hosts an autograph session. Inside the museum, you’ll find drop-in family activities and 15-minute histories of Juneteenth. The event ends with a walk to the banks of the Ohio River, the symbolic River Jordan over which thousands of enslaved people crossed into freedom on the Underground Railroad. Free.
