16 Jun2023

AACTE Celebrates Juneteenth

On June 19, 1865, the emancipation of enslaved Black people in the United States was realized when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, to enforce the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation for these citizens. The newly freed people called this day “Juneteenth.” Also known as Emancipation Day, Juneteenth is the commemorations of Black and African American people in the United States seizing their freedom that was denied to them despite their contributions to the growth of the nation’s economy and culture. While organizations around the country, including AACTE, will close their offices to give time to celebrate, reflect, and appreciate this history, more than half of the states in the country have introduced or passed legislation to prohibit teaching about structural racism, and you cannot fully teach and appreciate Juneteenth without acknowledging structural racism.

AACTE extends its deepest gratitude and alliance to all P-20 educators who commit to teaching a comprehensive, honest history of the United States. For those who are looking for ways to do just that in schools and classrooms, AACTE has compiled a list of favorite Juneteenth and Black/African-American history educator resources. Please visit AACTE’s Racial & Social Justice Hub to learn more about how AACTE is working to help build the capacity of its members and the field to support Black and African American educators and students.

Educator Resources to Teach Juneteenth