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 Denver Juneteenth events
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JUNE 16 - 22
Juneteenth Showing - THE WATERMELON WOMAN
- Sie FilmCenter
- Various showtimes
- Tickets required
Cheryl Dunye made cinematic history with THE WATERMELON WOMAN, the first American feature to be directed by a black lesbian as well as an incisive, humorous critique of classic Hollywood's racist stereotypes. Dunye plays an eponymous video store employee and burgeoning filmmaker who sets out to make a documentary on the Watermelon Woman (Lisa Marie Bronson), an actress who specialized in "mammy" roles for Hollywood productions of the 30s and 40s. As Cheryl uncovers the Watermelon Woman's identity she not only learns about a secret behind-the-scenes interracial romance but also begins one of her own with Diana (Guinevere Turner), a white woman who arouses the ire of Cheryl's best friend Tamara (Valerie Walker). A landmark of the New Queer Cinema, THE WATERMELON WOMAN testifies to the power of excavating legacies of oppression and in the process creates a progressive legacy of its own.
JUNE 17
- Historic Five Points Neighborhood
- 11am to 12pm
- Family friendly!
The festival kicks off with the annual Juneteenth Parade, place down E 26th Avenue starting Saturday, June 17th at 11:00am, then rolls into two full days of live entertainment, food, retail and community vendors, interactive and educational activities for all ages, block parties and VIP areas.
- Historic Five Points Neighborhood
- 12pm to 8pm
- Family friendly!
Each year Denver’s historic Five Points Neighborhood is transformed into a hub of entertainment and celebration for residents and business owners celebrating the day when the last of the nation’s enslaved peoples were freed.
JUNE 18
- Historic Five Points Neighborhood
- 12pm to 8pm
- Family friendly!
Each year Denver’s historic Five Points Neighborhood is transformed into a hub of entertainment and celebration for residents and business owners celebrating the day when the last of the nation’s enslaved peoples were freed.
JUNE 19
Denver Museum of Nature and Science Juneteenth Celebration
- Free admission
- 9am to 5pm
- Family friendly!
Celebrate Juneteenth, Freedom Day, at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science on June 19. The event will feature resources and access to community partners in science and STEAM, fun and engaging activities for the whole family and many more surprises.
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?
