In the 2023 legislative session, Governor Tim Walz signed legislation establishing Juneteenth as an official Minnesota state holiday. Celebrated annually on June 19, this holiday marks the anniversary of the first public reading of the Emancipation Proclamation to enslaved people in the United States in 1865.
This important holiday commemorates this important historic event and honors the important contributions of African Americans to Minnesota’s communities, culture, and economy.
Review this fact sheet for more information about the celebration of Juneteenth.
To help you and your district celebrate Juneteenth, MASA has developed a communication toolkit with information and resources, including staff and family messages, social media, and other related items.
MASA extends a special thank you to the Donovan Group for assisting us in developing this toolkit for our members!
This important holiday commemorates this important historic event and honors the important contributions of African Americans to Minnesota’s communities, culture, and economy.
Review this fact sheet for more information about the celebration of Juneteenth.
To help you and your district celebrate Juneteenth, MASA has developed a communication toolkit with information and resources, including staff and family messages, social media, and other related items.
MASA extends a special thank you to the Donovan Group for assisting us in developing this toolkit for our members!
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Create a guest editorial template that school and district leaders can use to highlight the celebration of Juneteenth and its importance to local schools and districts.
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Create a staff email template that school and district leaders can use to inform staff members about the celebration of Juneteenth.
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Create an email to families template that school and district leaders can use to inform families about the celebration of Juneteenth.
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Create a template social media post and graphic for schools and districts to share in celebration of Juneteenth.
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Key Messaging
Members are welcome to use any of the pre-written templates from above. We are also including the key messaging that was used to develop the templates if you or your staff wish to craft your own messages for your district and communities.
1) Juneteenth is a Minnesota state holiday celebrated this year on Wednesday, June 19.
2) Minnesota schools and school boards have been directed not to conduct any public business on Juneteenth.
3) In June, many of our students will be learning about Juneteenth and its importance to our state and nation.
- Governor Tim Walz signed legislation that established Juneteenth as a state holiday in the 2023 legislative session. This year marks the second celebration of Juneteenth as a state holiday in Minnesota.
- Juneteenth is a time to observe and reflect on the historical pronouncement abolishing slavery. On June 19, 1865, the Emancipation Proclamation was first publicly read in Texas by Union soldiers.
- Juneteenth is an important holiday that recognizes and celebrates the important contributions of African Americans to Minnesota’s communities, culture, and economy.
2) Minnesota schools and school boards have been directed not to conduct any public business on Juneteenth.
- Minnesota Statutes 645.44 dictates that, “No public business shall be transacted on any holiday, except in cases of necessity.”
- This means we will observe Juneteenth similarly to July 4. There will be no meetings or school-sponsored events taking place this day. We will not hold summer school classes on this day.
3) In June, many of our students will be learning about Juneteenth and its importance to our state and nation.
- We believe it is important for our students to learn about our nation’s history, including both positive and negative events that have shaped who we are today.
- All activities and learning opportunities will align with our board-approved curriculum at all grade levels.
- We invite our community to join us in recognizing this holiday. Thank you for your support!