June 2022- EDI Monthly Blog
- Fri, Jun 17 2022
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EDI SPOTLIGHT
What is Juneteenth?
For many Americans ther recognition and celebration of Juneteenth this year may be new, but for millions of African Americans living in the U.S., our families have been celebrating this holiday for generations. Sp, what is Juneteenth? basically, Juneteenth is the celebration of when Africans/African Americans enslaved in the western part of the United States were informed of the end of the Civil War and therefore their freedom.
The History
General Robert E.Lee surrendered to Lieutenant Ulyssess S. Grant in April 1865 at the Appomattox Court house in Virginia essentially ending the four-year battle of the Civil War. However, news of the wat ending had not reached Texas and the western states until months later. Approximatley two months later, on June 19, 1865, Union General G. Granger delivered the news to those in Galveston, TX that the Civil War had ended, and the enslaved Africans/African Americans were now free. Thereby initiating the effects of the Emancipation Proclaimation which was signed by President Lincoln in 1963. The commemoration of General Granger's announcement became knows as "Freedom Day" or as it is not referred to "Juneteenth Independence Day".
Its Importance
Juneteenth has always been important to African American families with ancestral ties to the western United States, as many families have been recognizing and celebrating this holiday, in some fashion, since the late 1800's. However according to the 2021 White House Proclamation on Juneteenth Day of Observance, American's most recent national holiday is of importance becasue it is a day to remind Americans of out abilitiy to emerge from dark moments within our history with resolve, while acknowledging there is still musch work to be done in our nation regarding achieving equity and justice for all.
The Flag
The colors most associated with Juneteenth celebrations are red, black, and green, which are the colors of the Pan-African flag, however the actual Juneteenth flag are red, white and blue. The Juneteenth flag features a blue and a red color block, of equal measure, on the top and the bottom of the flag. The white star of life prominently sits in the middle of the flag, highlighted by a white ziz-zag shape surrounding the star and the date June 19, 1865, is also included on the flag. The Juneteenth flag was developed Ben haith, founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation, along with Valerie Hines and Azim & Elliot Designs in 1997. The flag's illistrator, Lisa Jeanne Graf, explains on her website that "The Juneteenth flag represent the history, and freedom the American Slaves and their descendants." "The design of the Juneteenth flag depicts a bursting new star on the horizon. The star represents a new freedom, a new people, a new start. The red, white and blue colors communicate that the American Slaves, and their descendants were all Americans."
How to Celebrate
The celebration of Juneteenth can depend on he state or location in which you are celebrating. In Galveston , Texas the celebration is huge featuring an annul reading of the Juneteenth Proclaimation , Juneteenth Freedom tours, parades and picnics, festivals, reenactments, poetry and music fesitvals, banquets, and church services. Many families will travel back to Galveston year after year as thier celebration of Juneteenth since Galveston is the birthplace of the historic celebration. Other citites or towns will celebrate Juneteenth with speeches, festivals, sports tournaments, civic ceremonies, or some other community engagement activity invovling food, music, and a joyous family atmosphere.
Resources
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/a36687761/juneteenth-colors-meaning/
https://www.nytimes.com/article/juneteenth-day-celebration.html
The Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Division is excited to announce our new ADE Summer Learning Website
We know summer learning is a space that differs structually from the school year in several ways. It is our hope that you will find the Summer Learning Website a valuable resource that will allow you to cohesively connect summer learning to your school year. The Summer Learning Website has a variety of supports available for administrators, educators, parents, and caregivers. You'll find promising practices to aid with effective program design, implementation, and high quality.
If you have any questions about the Summer Learning Website, resources, funding or future professional development opportunities, please e-mail [email protected]
WHAT CAN FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES DO?
Parents: Visit the Summer Stride resource from https://bealearninghero.org/summer-stride/quick-tips-resources/ and take the readiness check and help your child with math and reading at home this summer.
Visit the websites for your local library and museums across the country and the worls to learn about free virtual learning opportunites. To start, check out: https://luxconnections.com/free-virtual-field-trips/
Save the Date: 2022 National Summer Learning Week
July 11-July 15, 2022
The annual National Summer Learning Week is just around the corner. The week-long national celebration offers five unique, daily themes for partners to elevate. Encourage your staff to utilize the week to celebrate your programs and share your impact with local partners, funders, media, and policymakers.
The 2022 themes are: Fostering Friendships, Love of Literacy & Learning, Wonders of Wellness, Summer Skill Building, and Amazing Arts! Click below for the easy-to-use resources and ideas you can leverage.
To learn more: https://www.summerlearning.org/summer-learning-week/ and connect with social media at #SummerLearnigWeek
Don't wait until July, Click Here to check out thes cool themes today for your summer learning programs!
