Juneteenth, celebrated every year on June 19, marks a pivotal moment in American history—the day slavery officially ended in Texas. On June 19, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3, formally announcing the emancipation of enslaved people in the state. Although President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation more than two years earlier, its enforcement had been delayed in many Southern regions, including Texas.
Juneteenth—short for "June Nineteenth"—commemorates this long-overdue freedom and is now recognized as a federal holiday. Its national significance was further elevated when President Joe Biden signed it into law as a U.S. holiday on June 17, 2021.
This curated collection of Juneteenth teaching resources includes lesson plans, student activities, and engaging educational materials. These resources are designed to deepen students' understanding of the Reconstruction era, the political landscape following the Civil War, and the enduring legacy of slavery. Additionally, they highlight the importance of Black joy, resilience, and cultural heritage in the celebration of Juneteenth.
