June 19 is called Freedom Day — but what does it really mean?
It may sound like it’s connected to the Statue of Liberty, but the roots of this day go much deeper. Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of one of the darkest — and most important — chapters in American history. Let’s talk about what this day means, how it began, and how you can celebrate it as a family, with meaning and respect.
Why Do Americans Celebrate June 19?
Every country has its own turning points. For the United States, June 19, 1865, marks a historic moment: the day when the last enslaved people in Texas were officially freed — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
This day became known as Juneteenth — a blend of “June” and “nineteenth.”
At the time, Texas was the last Confederate state where slavery still existed. On June 19, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and declared that all enslaved people were now free.
The following year, freed Black communities began celebrating the anniversary as Emancipation Day. Over time, the day became a symbol of Black freedom, resilience, and cultural pride.
In 2021, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday in the United States.
Juneteenth is now marked across the country — not only by African Americans, but by people of all backgrounds who want to honor freedom and justice.
Families and communities celebrate with:
In fact, cooking and eating together has always been part of Juneteenth. It’s a joyful, family-friendly way to honor the past while creating new memories.
Want to make it meaningful for your family? Try talking to your children about this day — in age-appropriate ways. Help them understand how far we’ve come and why freedom for all people still matters today.
How Can Your Family Honor Juneteenth?
You don’t need a parade or a big event to recognize the day. Here are a few simple ways to celebrate at home:
And if you’re raising bilingual kids, this is a great time to combine cultural learning with Russian practice.
Talk about history in both languages. Ask your child to describe what they learned — or draw it.
Need help? We’ve written about how to use cooking to practice Russian at home. Check it out here .
Juneteenth isn’t just a Black holiday. It’s an American holiday — and a human one. It reminds us all that freedom is not automatic. It must be protected, shared, and valued.
Did you know about Juneteenth before? How will you talk to your child about freedom? Let us know — and let this day become part of your family’s story.
