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What is Juneteenth?
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared a formal end to slavery in the United States. However, change was not instant after the proclamation. Nearly two and a half years later, on June 19th, 1865, the enslaved African Americans of Galveston, Texas got the news by way of the Union army troops that freedom had come at last.
The next year, the people of Galveston commemorated that day as Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom. Since then, it’s been observed in communities and states as a holiday, but officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021.
Why is the holiday called Juneteenth? The name blends the month and the day this news reached the people of Galveston: “June” plus “nineteenth” is Juneteenth. It’s also often called Emancipation Day or Freedom Day.
How can you celebrate Juneteenth with your Girl Scout Troop?
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Make a Juneteenth feast. Food is an important part of African American history and culture and has served as a way to unify and connect communities and families for generations. Make foods or snacks using Juneteenth colors: red, black, and green. Enjoy them together.
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Read books about Black History. Visit your local library as a troop and read books that celebrate the achievements of Black Americans in our country.
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Attend a Juneteenth event. Juneteenth was declared a national holiday in 2021, but Juneteenth celebrations have been a tradition in cities around the country for decades. Visit a Juneteenth event or parade as a troop and celebrate Freedom Day with your community!
JUNETEENTH FUN PATCH COMING SOON TO THE AUGUSTA AVENUE SHOP!
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