Juneteenth: Its Relevance for Education in Modern American History Discourses

Juneteenth 2024 Reflection

by Dr. Dwayne Dyce, CEO - Education Solutions International (ESI)

Juneteenth, observed on June 19th, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It marks the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. This historic event is not just a celebration of freedom but also a reflection on the struggles and resilience of African Americans. In today's context, Juneteenth holds significant relevance in education, particularly within the ongoing discourses about American history and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).

Juneteenth in American History

Juneteenth represents a pivotal moment in American history. It underscores the delayed but eventual enforcement of emancipation and highlights the systemic resistance to the abolition of slavery. For educators, teaching Juneteenth is an opportunity to explore the complexities of American history, including the slow progress toward civil rights and the persistent racial inequalities.

When the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, it declared that all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory were to be set free. However, this proclamation had little immediate effect in places still under Confederate control. It wasn't until General Granger's arrival in Galveston that the last enslaved people learned of their freedom. This delay highlights the challenges in enforcing laws across a divided nation and the resistance of slaveholders who withheld this information.

The Legacy of Resistance and Resilience

The period following Juneteenth was marked by significant resistance from former slaveholders and systemic barriers for newly freed African Americans. The Reconstruction era saw significant efforts to rebuild the South and integrate freed slaves into society, but it also faced severe backlash that included the rise of Jim Crow laws and other forms of institutionalized racism. Educators can use Juneteenth to discuss these historical challenges and the resilience shown by African Americans in the face of such adversity.

Today, Juneteenth serves as a mirror to ongoing issues in American schools, such as racial disparities in education, the need for inclusive curriculums, and the importance of acknowledging all aspects of history. The fight for equality and recognition seen in the origins of Juneteenth parallels modern movements like Black Lives Matter, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy and reform.

Racial Disparities in Education

Despite progress, racial disparities in education persist. African American students often face lower graduation rates, limited access to advanced courses, and higher rates of disciplinary actions compared to their white counterparts. There are many instances that serve as examples of the racial disparities including lack of or limited resources in inner-city schools, and lack of access and resources in segregated geographic and demographic regions throughout the US.  Juneteenth can serve as a starting point for discussions on how these disparities reflect the lingering effects of historical injustices.

Inclusive Curricula

There is a growing recognition of the need for curricula that reflect the diverse experiences of all students. By including Juneteenth in the curriculum, educators can help ensure that students of African American descent see their history and contributions recognized and valued. This can foster a more inclusive environment where all students feel represented.

Juneteenth and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) in Education

Incorporating Juneteenth into the educational curriculum aligns with DEI principles by promoting a more comprehensive understanding of American history. It provides a platform to discuss the contributions and experiences of African Americans, fostering a sense of belonging and representation for students of all backgrounds.

DEI initiatives strive to create an educational environment where all students feel valued and understood. By teaching Juneteenth, schools can help fill in the gaps left by traditional curriculums that often overlook the contributions and struggles of African Americans. This fosters a more complete understanding of American history.

For African American students, learning about Juneteenth can enhance their sense of identity and pride in their heritage. For students from other backgrounds, it provides an opportunity to understand and appreciate the diverse tapestry of American history, fostering empathy and respect.

Educational Practices

Despite its importance, Juneteenth is often underrepresented in school curriculums. This omission contrasts sharply with the growing emphasis on DEI, which advocates for the inclusion of diverse perspectives and historical narratives. Addressing this gap is crucial for creating an equitable educational environment.

Traditional curricula often focus heavily on the perspectives and achievements of white Americans, while the contributions of minorities are marginalized or omitted. Juneteenth offers a chance to correct this imbalance and provide a more accurate depiction of American history. 

Schools can take concrete steps to include Juneteenth in their curricula. This might involve revising history textbooks, creating special lesson plans, and organizing school-wide events to commemorate the day. Such efforts signal a commitment to DEI and help students understand the importance of inclusivity.

Approaching Juneteenth in Education

Inclusive Teaching Strategies

Integrative Curriculum: Incorporate Juneteenth into the broader curriculum rather than confining it to a single lesson or day. This approach can include literature, history, social studies, and art, offering multiple perspectives and deeper engagement.

Literature: Include books by African American authors that discuss Juneteenth and related themes. For example, "Juneteenth for Mazie" by Floyd Cooper or Ralph Ellison's posthumously published novel "Juneteenth."

History: Use primary sources such as General Granger's Order No. 3 and narratives from formerly enslaved people to bring the history of Juneteenth to life.

Social Studies: Discuss the broader implications of Juneteenth in the context of American social and political movements, linking it to the Civil Rights Movement and contemporary issues.

Cultural Competency: Educators should strive to understand and respect the cultural significance of Juneteenth. This includes professional development on cultural competency and anti-racist teaching practices.

Training: Offer workshops and training sessions on the history and significance of Juneteenth, and how to teach it effectively and sensitively.

Resource Development: Develop and distribute resources that help teachers integrate Juneteenth into their lessons, such as multimedia content, lesson plans, and guest speaker programs.

Interactive Learning: Utilize interactive and experiential learning methods such as storytelling, reenactments, and community involvement. This can make the history of Juneteenth more relatable and engaging for students.

Storytelling: Invite local historians or community members to share stories about Juneteenth and its significance in their lives.

Reenactments: Organize school-wide events where students can participate in reenactments of historical events related to Juneteenth.

Community Involvement: Partner with local organizations to celebrate Juneteenth with parades, festivals, and educational events.

Inclusivity for All Students

Empathy and Understanding: Encourage students to empathize with the experiences of enslaved people and their descendants. Discussions should foster an understanding of the broader implications of freedom and equality.

Role-Playing: Use role-playing exercises to help students understand the perspectives of different historical figures involved in Juneteenth.

Class Discussions: Facilitate open discussions where students can share their thoughts and feelings about the history of Juneteenth and its relevance today.

Diverse Perspectives: Highlight the contributions of allies and diverse groups in the fight for emancipation and civil rights. This can show that the struggle for equality is a collective effort.

Profiles of Allies: Include stories of white abolitionists and other allies who fought against slavery and supported civil rights.

Global Context: Compare Juneteenth with other international movements for freedom and equality, such as the end of apartheid in South Africa.

Family Engagement: Involve parents and guardians in the learning process. Provide resources and suggestions for discussing Juneteenth at home, making it an inclusive experience for families of all backgrounds.

Home Resources: Send home reading materials and discussion guides that families can use to learn about Juneteenth together.

Family Events: Host school events that invite families to celebrate Juneteenth, such as potlucks, film screenings, and educational workshops.

Juneteenth is a crucial element of American history that deserves recognition and integration into educational curriculums. By reflecting on its relevance in current discourses about American history and DEI, educators and parents can ensure that the legacy of Juneteenth is preserved and understood. This approach not only honors the past but also promotes a more inclusive and equitable future for all students. Through thoughtful and inclusive teaching strategies, we can make Juneteenth a meaningful part of our collective understanding and celebration of American history.