Juneteenth and the Rights of Children: Honouring Freedom, Justice, and Identity
For children everywhere, the word freedom should mean safety, dignity, and equal opportunity to thrive. But history reminds us that this freedom was not always accessible, especially for Black children and their families in the United States.
Juneteenth, observed on June 19, stands as one of the most powerful commemorations of that delayed freedom. It marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, were finally told they were free.
This moment was not just about the end of slavery. It was about the beginning of long-denied human rights, the right to live in dignity, to be protected from oppression, and to belong to a society where justice is not selective.
Today, Juneteenth is not just a Black American celebration; it is a call to every community, every nation, and every generation to protect the rights of children, especially those who have been historically marginalized.
Why Juneteenth Matters for Children Today
As an organization committed to the rights and wellbeing of children, we recognize Juneteenth as a vital opportunity to engage children in understanding:
- Their right to freedom and dignity
- Their right to be protected from discrimination and exploitation
- Their right to know their history and take pride in their identity
- Their right to participate in shaping a just society
When children learn about Juneteenth, they are not just studying the past, they are connecting to the global fight for children’s rights, justice, and equality. They are empowered to speak up, ask questions, and imagine a better world.
The Delayed Promise of Freedom
The Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 legally freed enslaved people in Confederate states. Yet, it was not until June 19, 1865, that freedom truly reached enslaved people in Texas. This delay caused by resistance, misinformation, and systemic injustice meant that thousands of children remained in bondage, denied the most basic rights: the right to protection, education, family, and freedom.
It was not until Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, that the truth was delivered. General Order No. 3 was read aloud, declaring all enslaved people free. That moment gave birth to what we now call Juneteenth.
It is critical that children today understand that justice delayed is not justice denied—but it is a warning. It shows us the importance of upholding truth, protecting rights, and ensuring that freedom is not a privilege for the few, but a guarantee for all.
How Juneteenth Is Celebrated Today and Why It Matters
In homes, schools, churches, and public spaces, Juneteenth is now celebrated with a blend of remembrance, culture, and advocacy. For children, these events are not only joyous, they are educational and empowering.
- Community Gatherings – Families reconnect through storytelling, music, and meals that reflect cultural heritage and affirm the value of intergenerational wisdom.
- Parades and Artistic Expression – Children are invited to perform, paint, recite poetry, and learn the power of expression as a tool for justice.
- Educational Workshops – Schools and communities teach children about emancipation, civil rights, and social justice movements. These lessons build critical thinking and inspire civic participation.
- Symbolic Foods and Colours – Foods like red drinks and barbecue are steeped in history, linking children to African roots and teaching them about cultural symbolism and pride.
Lessons Juneteenth Teaches Our Children
From a child rights perspective, Juneteenth offers vital lessons:
- Every child has the right to be free from slavery, discrimination, and injustice as enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
- Every child has the right to education, including learning about their own history and culture.
- Every child has the right to identity and belonging, to know their heritage and be proud of it.
- Every child has the right to participate and be heard, to speak out against injustice and advocate for fairness.
- Every child has the right to grow up in a society that respects human dignity and works actively to dismantle systems of oppression.
Conclusion
Juneteenth is not just Black history. It is human rights history. It speaks to the global and generational importance of ensuring that no child grows up in the shadows of oppression, silence, or shame.
As adults, we must ensure that our children inherit not only the rights we fought for but also the responsibility to defend those rights for others.
We must teach them that freedom is not complete until it is just, and that justice is not real unless it is for everyone.
Let Juneteenth be a time of teaching, healing, and commitment to building a world where every child is safe, valued, and free.
