Originally published in TEACH Magazine, May/June 2024 Issue
By Kelsey McCallum
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, the last enslaved people in Texas were emancipated. Over 150 years later, in 2021, Juneteenth was established as an official federal holiday in the U.S., although it has been observed in Texas and other states since 1866. It is a time to recognize African American freedom, achievement, resilience, and culture, while also acknowledging the work towards equality that is still ongoing today.
As you and your students get ready to celebrate this important holiday, here are some recently-released books to help you learn more about the history of Juneteenth and the lived realities of Black people in America, both past and present.
Kelsey McCallum is an Associate Editor for TEACH Mag. She holds a BSc from the University of Guelph and a Graduate Certificate from Centennial College. She currently lives in Toronto, ON, with her partner and their cat, Banksy.
