Honoring History and Celebrating Freedom: Juneteenth at Parkside

Understanding the past helps shape a more just and inclusive future. At Parkside, we believe even our youngest students can begin to make those connections. In the days leading up to the end of the school year and Juneteenth, classes have been engaging in meaningful, developmentally appropriate lessons about the history and significance of this important holiday.

Celebrated annually on June 19, Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned they were free—two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Known as Freedom Day, Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the long struggle for equality in America and a celebration of liberation, resilience, and community.

On the third floor, students learned about the meaning of freedom and how it connects to kindness, fairness, and the importance of treating everyone with respect—no matter the color of their skin. They were introduced to the Juneteenth flag and talked about heroes like Martin Luther King Jr., Ruby Bridges, and Rosa Parks, who helped pave the way for civil rights.

On the fourth floor, students explored the historical context of slavery, the delayed spread of news about emancipation, and the significance of Juneteenth as a moment of celebration and justice. They discussed how racism—unfair treatment based on skin color—still exists today and how we all have a role in standing up for fairness and inclusion.

Fifth floor students took a deeper dive into the history behind Juneteenth, the Civil War, and the Emancipation Proclamation. They reflected on how this moment in history still echoes today, and why recognizing the past is essential to building a future where everyone is treated equally. Students also explored the symbolism behind the Juneteenth flag and the many ways people celebrate the holiday across the country.

At Parkside, DEIB is not a one-time lesson or single event—it is embedded into the way we teach, learn, and grow together. As we honor Juneteenth, we recommit to helping students build a deeper understanding of justice and a stronger sense of empathy and responsibility toward others.