DOE Statement & Resources for Juneteenth

Day of Solidarity. In honor of Juneteenth, we stand in solidarity with the Black community to promote racial justice and equality. Ways you can join us. 1. Join in a moment of silence for 8 minutes 46 seconds. 2. commit 30 minutes of reading, writing and listening on the topic of social justice. 3. support a black owned business. 4. write a letter of inquiry or action to your local elected official. 5. Volunteer for donate to a nonprofit organization whose mission is to lift up social justice.

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally-celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, honoring African American freedom and highlighting education and achievement. Today, we join others in our community for a Day of Solidarity to promote greater racial justice and equality. We invite you to take action and join us.

Anti-racist education demands more than teaching about holidays, foods, and festivals. Note that collected lesson ideas for Juneteenth also encourage teaching about the history and culture of the United States by including experiences and perspectives of formerly enslaved people, immigrants, and indigenous peoples – among others –  in an on-going manner throughout the year. Students need to understand their world in order to take action to change it.

Resources for Teaching and Learning about Juneteenth:

Three Part Documentary produced by the Texas Institute for the Preservation of History and Culture:

Other Resources on Anti-Racism and Teaching about Race