Black Characters that Show the Diversity of Black People Tag

Ten Juneteenth Children’s Books that Teach about the Holiday

Guest post by Tonya Duncan Ellis, 2024 Bronze Sponsor

On June 19, 1865 enslaved people in Texas learned they were free, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. The date, called Freedom Day or Juneteenth, became a federal holiday in 2021. Juneteenth is a day to celebrate with family picnics, gatherings and pageants, to shop at Black-owned businesses and to reflect on Black history. The ten children’s books below highlight various aspects of Juneteenth.