Congress made Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2024. In a time of continuing racial inequity and curriculum bans, you need to know and teach the backstory of this day commemorating the announcement of the end of the Civil War and chattel slavery in Galveston, Texas.

By appreciating what Union Army Major General Gordon Granger was doing in Galveston on June 19, 1865 and understanding the impact on slavery, you can spark students’ interest in this fascinating and significant holiday. Use this day to empower them to identify the systemic inequities and injustices still faced by the descendants of the formerly enslaved in the United States.

Award-winning educator Rodney D. Pierce will teach you how to dig deep into this historic celebration by connecting the past to the present. You will learn how to enlighten students to embrace Juneteenth, mark it as another celebration of independence for American citizens, and discover the ongoing impact this day should have on the future.