Afrobeats Dance Workshop
Wednesday, June 28th, at 6:30–8:00 p.m.
For: Adults and teens
Location: Auditorium
Afrobeats Dance is a combination of modern day African movement paired with Afrobeats music. The movement is full body & high energy. Focusing on hip releasing, footwork, arm coordination and rhythm. It's a fun form of dance because it allows the body to move naturally and with the percussion of the music.
Past Juneteenth Events:
Grab & Go Kits: Juneteenth!
Monday, June 12th at 10:00 a.m.
For: Grades K-3
Location: Lobby
Pick up a new Grab & Go Kit at the Library, while supplies last, starting June 12th. Kits will be in a bin in the Library's lobby.
Sunday, June 25th, at 2:00–3:00 p.m.
For: Children & Families
Location: Library Plaza, Auditorium (Weather Location)
Amanda will be teaching a workshop and then there will be a performance where she will be joined by The Mfoumbila Dance Company.
About Amanda: Amanda Armenteros is a versatile dancer and teacher who loves to study African dance. Amanda’s classes allow students to express themselves through rhythm and to find their own unique dance movements.
Children’s Books to Celebrate Juneteenth!
The Juneteenth Story: Celebrating the End of Slavery in the United States by Alliah L. Agostini & Sawyer Cloud
(Grades 1-3)
Library Catalog
With colorful illustrations and a timeline, this introductory history of Juneteenth for kids details the evolution of the holiday commemorating the date the enslaved people of Texas first learned of their freedom. On June 19, 1865–more than two years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation–the enslaved people of Texas first learned of their freedom. That day became a day of remembrance and celebration!
(Grades K-5)
Library Catalog
A Black family gathers on Juneteenth. David’s family has joined relatives to celebrate the holiday in Galveston, Texas. After the parades, speeches, food, and music, the culminating activity is David’s grandmother’s telling the story of her grandmother Mom Bess and the events that came to be known as Juneteenth.
(Preschool to 2nd Grade)
Library Catalog
Mazie is ready to celebrate liberty. She is ready to celebrate freedom. She is ready to celebrate a great day in American history: the day her ancestors were no longer slaves. Mazie remembers the struggles and the triumph as she gets ready to celebrate Juneteenth.
(Grades K-3)
Library Catalog
The true story of Black activist Opal Lee and her vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone will inspire children to be brave and make a difference. Growing up in Texas, Opal knew the history of Juneteenth, but she soon discovered that most Americans had never heard of the holiday that represents the nation's creed of “freedom for all.” This is the true story of Black activist Opal Lee and her vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone.
(Preschool to 3rd Grade)
Library Catalog
A young Black child experiences the magic of the Juneteenth parade for the first time with their family as they come to understand the purpose of the party that happens every year–and why they celebrate their African American history! The poetic text includes selected lyrics from “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the unofficial Black National Anthem, and the vibrant art illuminates the beauty of this moment of Black joy, celebrated across the nation. This vibrant adventure through the city streets invites young readers to make a joyful noise about freedom for all.
(Grades 2-5)
Library Catalog
Discover more about Juneteenth, the important holiday that celebrates the end of chattel slavery in the United States. On June 19th, 1865, a group of enslaved men, women, and children in Texas gathered around a Union soldier and listened as he read the most remarkable words they would ever hear. They were no longer enslaved: they were free. The inhumane practice of forced labor with no pay was now illegal in all of the United States. This news was cause for celebration, so the group of people jumped in excitement, danced, and wept tears of joy. They did not know it at the time, but their joyous celebration of freedom would become a holiday–Juneteenth–that is observed each year by more and more Americans.
(Preschool to 2nd Grade)
Library Catalog
Through the eyes of one little girl, All Different Now tells the story of the first Juneteenth, the day freedom finally came to the last of the slaves in the South. Since then, the observance of June 19th as African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. This stunning picture book includes notes from the author and illustrator, a timeline of important dates, and a glossary of relevant terms.
(Preschool to 2nd Grade)
Library Catalog
When Jayylen's grandfather, Paw Paw Jimmy, begins preparing for a big Juneteenth celebration, Jayylen has a lot of questions. Most importantly, what is Juneteenth? His mother and Paw Paw Jimmy explain that the holiday marks the anniversary of when enslaved African Americans found out that they were free. Paw Paw Jimmy plays some zydeco for him, which is the type of music they will dance to at the celebration. Jayylen practices every day so that he will be able to play the frottoir (a percussion instrument similar to a washboard) for everyone. But will he be able to pull off an even bigger surprise for the day?
Juneteenth: A Children’s Story by Opal Lee & Peter Viska(Grades K-2)
Library Catalog
The”'Grandmother of Juneteenth,” Ms. Opal Lee advocates for the power of education to change the world. As an engaging and captivating way to introduce the history of slavery and freedom to children in words they can understand, Ms. Opal highlights the celebration of Juneteenth and the importance of commemorating this milestone all across America.
Raven the Great: What is Juneteenth? By Dr. Paulette McClain & Anthony D. Carson(Preschool to 2nd Grade)
Library Catalog
View the world through the eyes of Raven (affectionately known as Rae Rae), an 11-year-old African-American girl growing up in South Louisiana. Raven shares among her class about a holiday not mentioned in her history book. Her colorful personality, and fun explanation of Juneteenth holiday grabs the attention of her classmates and sparks their interest to learn more.
(Grades 1-3)
Library Catalog
June 19th, 1865, began as another hot day in Texas. Enslaved African Americans worked in fields, in barns, and in the homes of the white people who owned them. Then a message arrived. Freedom! Slavery had ended! The Civil War had actually ended in April. It took two months for word to reach Texas. Still the joy of that amazing day has never been forgotten. Every year, people all over the United States come together on June 19th to celebrate the end of slavery. Join in the celebration of Juneteenth, a day to remember and honor freedom for all people.
(Grades 2-4)
Library Catalog
On June 19th, 1865, a Union soldier traveled to Texas to tell the enslaved people who lived there that they were free–that slavery was now illegal in every state. The people danced and sang in celebration of their freedom. Today, we pay tribute to this historical day with a special holiday on June 19th called Juneteenth. This colorfully illustrated story takes kids on an exciting journey through all the events that led up to the first Juneteenth!
(Grades K-2)
Library Catalog
This bounce-to-the-beat picture book by America's favorite rapping teacher from Chicago is a tribute to the sights and sounds of a city neighborhood and the special bond between brothers as they help each other overcome their fears – ”Today is June 19th, Juneteenth's what they say and for my family, it's a very special day.”
(Preschool to 4th Grade)
Library Catalog
Deeply emotional, evocative free verse by poet and activist Sojourner Kincaid Rolle traces the solemnity and celebration of Juneteenth from its 1865 origins in Galveston, Texas to contemporary observances all over the United States. This is an ode to the strength of Black Americans and a call to remember and honor a holiday whose importance reverberates far beyond the borders of Texas.
(Preschool to 2nd Grade)
Library Catalog
From learning about history to enjoying a barbecue, there is a lot to do on Juneteenth! Young readers can learn about this important holiday, from when it started to today's traditions in this engaging title. Simple, predictable text and vibrant photos guide readers while special features offer additional support. Students who are just starting to read independently will find freedom with this title on Freedom Day!
(Grades 4-6)
Library Catalog
Taylor provides in-depth coverage of the day that commemorates General Order No. 3 of June 19th, 1865, formally emancipating Texans of African descent. His frank discourse on the history of slavery in the U.S. facilitates a fuller appreciation of Juneteenth.
(Grades K-3)
Library Catalog
Cassie's family have just moved to Texas. On June 19th, Cassie helps prepare red velvet cake, fried chicken and other special dishes, all the while wondering what makes this day so special. When Cassie and her family go downtown, she experiences the warmth of a special celebration and a feeling of belonging, as she learns all about the holiday that celebrates the emancipation of the last slaves in the United States. Readers of all ages will delight in this declaration of freedom and homecoming.
(Preschool)
Library Catalog
On June 19th, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, the enslaved people of Texas finally learned that they were free. With this simple board book, little ones will learn about the history of that first Juneteenth, how the celebration spread, and why we celebrate Juneteenth today.
(Grades 1-3)
Library Catalog
On June 19th, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, a group of enslaved men, women, and children in Texas gathered. Order Number 3 was read, proclaiming that they were no longer enslaved–they were free. People danced, wept tears of joy, and began to plan their new lives. Juneteenth became an annual celebration that is observed by more and more Americans with parades, picnics, family gatherings, and reflection on the words of historical figures, to mark the day when freedom truly rang for all.
the best thing i ever seen in my life for my kids its great to see great work and things done we need freedom in the world
Thanks, Alven!