Last year, Governor Tim Walz signed legislation that established Juneteenth as a Minnesota state holiday. While Juneteenth has been celebrated in the United States for nearly two centuries, this official proclamation marks an important moment for educators as we aim to ensure students are informed on our state and national history.
Celebrated every year on June 19, Juneteenth commemorates the public reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by Union soldiers in Texas, marking the official end of slavery in the United States. On this date in 1865, nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation, the news of freedom finally reached the last enslaved people in America. The holiday has been celebrated ever since that historic moment.
In addition, Juneteenth is an important holiday that recognizes and celebrates the contributions of African-Americans to Minnesota’s communities, culture, and economy.
Much like Independence Day, Juneteenth is a celebration of resilience, perseverance, and freedom. With that in mind, this holiday will be observed similarly in Minnesota’s schools, with absolutely no meetings or school-sponsored events taking place on June 19. We invite you to join us in recognizing Juneteenth this year through reflection and education.
Throughout the school year, and especially during the month of June, students in Minnesota will be learning about the significance of Juneteenth and its profound impact on our state and country. All activities and lessons focused on Juneteenth will be designed in alignment with board-approved curriculum for all grade levels.
This year, we invite you to join Minnesota students in celebrating Juneteenth in your own communities. We encourage you to find a Juneteenth event happening in your community, engage in conversations about the historical significance of Juneteenth, or simply dedicate some of your time to learn more about this important holiday.
By actively involving yourself in celebrating Juneteenth, you are setting a powerful example for the next generation, demonstrating the value of understanding and embracing our shared history. For parents and families with school-aged children, it presents an ideal opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with them about what they're learning in school and to delve deeper into this important topic together.
As we observe Juneteenth, we all commit ourselves to expanding the historical awareness and understanding for our students, which will ultimately create an even better future for all Minnesotans.
Celebrated every year on June 19, Juneteenth commemorates the public reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by Union soldiers in Texas, marking the official end of slavery in the United States. On this date in 1865, nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation, the news of freedom finally reached the last enslaved people in America. The holiday has been celebrated ever since that historic moment.
In addition, Juneteenth is an important holiday that recognizes and celebrates the contributions of African-Americans to Minnesota’s communities, culture, and economy.
Much like Independence Day, Juneteenth is a celebration of resilience, perseverance, and freedom. With that in mind, this holiday will be observed similarly in Minnesota’s schools, with absolutely no meetings or school-sponsored events taking place on June 19. We invite you to join us in recognizing Juneteenth this year through reflection and education.
Throughout the school year, and especially during the month of June, students in Minnesota will be learning about the significance of Juneteenth and its profound impact on our state and country. All activities and lessons focused on Juneteenth will be designed in alignment with board-approved curriculum for all grade levels.
This year, we invite you to join Minnesota students in celebrating Juneteenth in your own communities. We encourage you to find a Juneteenth event happening in your community, engage in conversations about the historical significance of Juneteenth, or simply dedicate some of your time to learn more about this important holiday.
By actively involving yourself in celebrating Juneteenth, you are setting a powerful example for the next generation, demonstrating the value of understanding and embracing our shared history. For parents and families with school-aged children, it presents an ideal opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with them about what they're learning in school and to delve deeper into this important topic together.
As we observe Juneteenth, we all commit ourselves to expanding the historical awareness and understanding for our students, which will ultimately create an even better future for all Minnesotans.