Today is Juneteenth, June 19, the day that marks the end of slavery in the United States. In 1865, on this date, Union troops in Galveston, Texas, announced that enslaved people there were free, about two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. Juneteenth is now a federal holiday and a Massachusetts state holiday. For many families, it is a day of celebration, gathering and remembrance that stretches back generations. Whatever your background, there are meaningful ways to observe it. Here are some ideas, whether you have a few minutes or a whole day.
If You Have Ten Minutes
- Read General Order No. 3. The order read in Galveston is only a few sentences long. Reading it aloud, alone or with family, is a powerful way to connect with the day.
- Pause in reflection. Take a quiet moment to remember those who were enslaved, those who fought for freedom, and those who waited far too long to receive it.
- Learn one new fact. Look up one aspect of Juneteenth history you did not know, such as how early celebrations began in Texas.
- Send a message. Wish friends and neighbors a meaningful Juneteenth.
If You Have an Hour
- Visit your library. Many libraries display books about Juneteenth and Black history. Check one out for yourself or your kids. (Some libraries may be closed for the holiday; their online catalogs and digital collections are often still available.)
- Watch or listen. A documentary, a lecture or a podcast episode on emancipation and its aftermath can deepen understanding.
- Read with children. A picture book about Juneteenth can open a conversation about freedom and fairness.
- Write a reflection. Journal about what freedom means to you and what you hope for your community.
If You Have an Afternoon
- Attend a public observance. Many cities and towns in Massachusetts and across New England hold Juneteenth events: festivals, readings, concerts, faith services and educational programs. Check your city or town website or local news listings.
- Gather with family or neighbors. Share a meal, tell stories and honor elders.
- Explore local history. Visit a museum, historic site or marker connected to Black history in your area, if open.
- Take a reflective walk. Walk through a neighborhood with historic significance and talk about what you have learned.
Support Black-Owned Businesses and Creators
One practical way to observe the day is to support Black entrepreneurs, artists and authors in your community:
- Order a meal from a Black-owned restaurant.
- Buy a book by a Black author from a local bookstore.
- Visit a Black-owned shop, salon, bakery or market.
- Attend a performance or exhibit by Black artists.
- Share recommendations with friends, so the support continues past today.
Honor the Traditions
Juneteenth traditions have grown over more than 150 years. Families may observe the day with:
- Cookouts and picnics
- Red foods and drinks, which many families connect to resilience and remembrance
- Music, from spirituals to gospel to contemporary songs
- Readings of historical documents
- Church services and prayer
- Family reunions and time with elders
If you are invited to someone’s celebration, accept with gratitude, ask what you can bring and follow your hosts’ lead.
Talking With Kids About Today
Children often ask, “Why is today a holiday?” A simple, honest answer helps:
Example: “A long time ago, many Black people in our country were enslaved, which means they were not free. Even after the government said they should be free, some people did not get the news or were kept from their freedom. On June 19, 1865, people in Texas finally learned they were free. Today we celebrate freedom and remember how long people had to wait.”
Older kids and teens may want to learn more about slavery, emancipation and what came after. Your library can help you find age-appropriate resources.
Observing Respectfully
A few guidelines for those newer to the holiday:
- Remember it is both joyful and solemn. Celebrate, but also take time to reflect.
- Listen to Black voices. Read, watch and attend events led by Black historians, artists and community members.
- Avoid treating it as just a day off or a sales event.
- Be mindful in public posts. Share history and resources rather than only images or slogans.
Carrying the Spirit Forward
Juneteenth is a single day, but its meaning extends all year. Consider making a commitment today:
- Read one book by a Black author each season.
- Learn about one aspect of local Black history.
- Support Black-owned businesses regularly, not only on holidays.
- Volunteer with a community organization serving your neighborhood.
- Keep talking with your family about fairness and freedom.
If You Are Working Today
Not everyone has Juneteenth off. If you are at work, you can still mark the day: share a short history note with coworkers, read General Order No. 3 on a break, eat lunch from a Black-owned business nearby, or set aside time this evening or weekend to attend a community event or read with your family.
A Simple Juneteenth Checklist
- Read General Order No. 3 or a short history of the day.
- Take a moment of reflection.
- Attend an event or gather with loved ones.
- Support a Black-owned business or creator.
- Share one thing you learned with someone else.
- Choose one way to keep learning after today.
Freedom, as Juneteenth reminds us, is something people waited for, fought for and celebrated together. Marking the day with intention honors that history and strengthens the community we share now.
Quick check: What is a meaningful way to observe Juneteenth in just ten minutes?
- Read General Order No. 3 and take a moment of reflection
- Treat it only as a shopping day
- Ignore it because there is no time
Show answer
A. The order is only a few sentences long, and reading it with a moment of reflection connects you to the day’s history.
