Juneteenth is an important day in American history because freedom is an important part of our history.
Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 the end of the Civil War was announced in Texas or the end of slavery in the United States.
The day has always been a time of celebration, especially in the African American community, and its significance only continues to grow: In 2021, Juneteenth National Independence Day was designated a U.S. Federal holiday.
Want your family to take part in this important and historical celebration of freedom? Here are four ideas how:
Attend New Iberia and surrounding area Juneteenth events this weekend!
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Iberia Parish NAACP Juneteenth Celebration - New Iberia
Thursday, June 16th, 6pm
Sponsored by the Iberia Parish Neighborhood Watch, featured speaker is Elaine P. Campbell, retired educator and journalist, will be presenting Celebrating Our Past, Moving into the Future at the Sliman Theater. The community is invited to attend and participate in this special event. Refreshments will be served
Meet and Greet with the Iberia African American Historical Society - New Iberia
Saturday, June 18th, 10am
The event is free and open to IAAHS members and anyone who wishes to learn more about the society’s work. Refreshments will be served.
Juneteenth Festival - New Iberia
Saturday, June 18th
The annual Juneteeth Festival is happening at the Steamboat Pavilion in downtown New Iberia. The event includes a parade, food, music, dancing, shopping, and more!
Juneteenth Festival Parade - New Iberia
Saturday, June 18th, 11am
Celebrate this Juneteenth with a parade in downtown New Iberia! The parade will travel east on Main Street Starting at Torrido Village and
ending at Jefferson Street near Epiphany Day School. This event is put on by GPAL Foundation.
First Annual Juneteenth Parade - Breaux Bridge
Saturday, June 18th, 5:30pm
The parade will begin at Judge Carl Williams Park in Breaux Bridge to Martin St., down Courville St., to Carver St., around Anderson St. and end at the same park.
Junteenth Bike Ride - Morgan City
Saturday, June 18th, 10:00am
Celebrate Junteenth this weekend! The bike ride starts at 8am at EF Jacquet Elementary School and will end at Jimmie Johnson Memorial park. Free food, drinks, and community fun! Explore African American history in Morgan City!
Soul Food Festival - Franklin
Friday & Saturday, June 18th through June 19th
Presented by the 100 Black Men of St. Mary Parish, celebrate Juneteenth in Historic Downtown Franklin! There will be free health screenings, children's village, live music, 5K run, and of course delicious food! Join us at Parc Sur La Teche behind Franklin Main Street along Bayou Teche. The event will run from Friday, June 17th through Saturday, June 18th.
You can also visit SWLA Junteenth Committee for details on events happening in other parts of Acadiana this weekend as well.
Learn about the holiday's meaning
Here's a catchy kid-friendly song from Sesame Street that explains Juneteenth:
For older children, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture’s website offers good information about Juneteenth, including a reading list.
Looking for great kids' books about Juneteenth? We love "Juneteenth for Mazie," about a little girl who is upset about restrictions like bedtime; and "All Different Now," the story of the day freedom arrived in Texas from a little girl's perspective.
Prepare a special meal together
Coming together as a family for a special meal is a traditional way to celebrate Juneteenth. Use the opportunity to explain the importance and meaning of the holiday to your kids.
Want ideas on what to cook? Check this fun video from Thrillist out:
Think about positive changes you'd like to see
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, which is hosting a series of free virtual events this month to mark Juneteenth, suggests a great way to get kids involved and thinking about the meaning behind Juneteenth is to draw a picture, make a sign or write in a journal on the subject of what positive changes they would like to see in the world, and what they can do to help.
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The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture offers these conversation starters to help kids begin thinking on the project:
- Who or what is important to you?
- What's something you'd like to see change in your community?
- What would your community be like if everyone was healthy, happy, and safe?
- Do you see a problem that needs to be fixed?
- Are there people who should be treated better? How?
- What can you do to make a difference, fix a problem, or help someone?
