Juneteenth is right around the corner, and this year, like every year, my multiracial family is celebrating. Perhaps you’ve never heard of Juneteenth before, or maybe you’ve celebrated the holiday for years. Sometimes families find themselves conflicted: Should they celebrate or not?
Our Black and white family celebrates Juneteenth because we feel the holiday is the true Independence Day. In case you don’t know, Juneteenth is every June 19, and it commemorates the day enslaved people in Texas learned that they were free. They were actually declared free by President Lincoln, via the Emancipation Proclamation, two years prior. However, this truth was withheld from some enslaved people for years, since their bondage continued to financially benefit their oppressors.
If you didn’t know about Juneteenth, don’t beat yourself up. This was one of many historical events and stories that many of us never learned about in school due to a white-washed history curriculum. However, now that you know, your family can learn more about the holiday and explore how to honor the day. Here’s what my family does:
Read books and watch videos
Learning about the holiday starts at home, since Juneteenth happens to fall on a day when most children are on summer break. My family has gathered several fantastic children’s picture and chapter books over the years that we read each June. There are also several friendly, well-done YouTube videos to educate kids (and parents) on the holiday.
Attend a local Juneteenth event
As awareness of Juneteenth has increased, more and more Juneteenth events are being held. Our ideal event is Black-led and features family-friendly attractions such as music, games, and, of course, food. Attending an event is helpful for creating community and increasing education around the holiday. Plus, it’s fun!
Shop Black-owned businesses
It’s important to our family to frequent Black-owned businesses year-round, but especially around Juneteenth. You and your family can research Black-owned restaurants and stores — both physical and online — to frequent. It’s important to buy Juneteenth merchandise from these businesses, rather than cheap tokens from mass retailers.
Wear graphic tees
Graphic tees are a great way to educate other people while your family is out and about. If your family is one of color or multiracial like mine is, tees also show that we are thankful for freedom for all people, including some of our own family members. Try to purchase these tees from Black-owned companies.
Celebrate at home
While you may not be able to attend a Juneteenth event due to your schedule or not finding a local option, your family can also honor Juneteenth at home. Brainstorm ways this can happen. Perhaps you purchase some books on the subject to read together, create and hang decorations, or make a special meal, or get takeout from a Black-owned establishment. The point is to honor the day and learn more about American history.
Make a donation
Find a Black organization that’s doing amazing work. Your kids can help you brainstorm. Find an organization that piques your interest as a family, research the organization, and then make a monetary donation to help the organization continue to flourish.
If your family isn’t Black or Black multiracial, you may be wondering if it’s appropriate for you to honor the day. My personal hope is that Juneteenth becomes more well-known and understood in the near future and that it gains the same popularity that the 4th of July has held. After all, the 4th only commemorates white people’s freedom. It’s high time that Juneteenth is recognized and celebrated by Americans — but in an authentic way. I believe people of any race can celebrate the holiday, respectfully, giving the attention it has long deserved.
