Happy Juneteenth!

Juneteenth -- June 19th -- marks the day in 1865 when slavery ended. Although the Emancipation Proclamation happened two years earlier, the information was withheld from those in Texas until the day that is now commemorated: Juneteenth.

This is one of many instances of the history of Black Americans being erased from textbooks and common historical understanding. It's important that we teach young people of all races our true history and help them understand how it influenced where we are and what's happening now. By teaching them to listen to voices that are frequently ignored, they can both gain compassion and understanding and feel more heard themselves. Through this learning, they gain a better sense of their world, how they fit into it and how they can help influence it to become the world they want to live in. 

This June 19th, talk with the young people in your life about the history of Juneteenth and let it be the start of a larger conversation about history. To get them engaged, find Juneteenth events near you or plan your own celebration! For more information, check out this article.