To Honor & Empower: Celebrating Juneteenth
By Team Therapy Smarts
Juneteenth is the longest African American holiday — celebrating the end of slavery and Black Americans’ enduring contributions across history, art, culture and more. On this day in 1865, federal soldiers arrived in Galveston Texas to emancipate all enslaved persons in the state, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth is now marked as a national holiday to celebrate the end of slavery and to honor the memory of all those who suffered through its injustices. Across the Triangle and beyond, there are a number of ways to mark this occasion for families. Team Therapy Smarts has you covered — below, you can find a number of ways to observe the holiday.
Empower Through Education
The National Museum of African American History and Culture offers a valuable resource guide for observing Juneteenth with young children. While the history of slavery is a difficult subject, it’s also a vital one—especially for children in their early years, when they begin to form a sense of identity and understand their place in the world, and how they relate to others. That’s why it’s important for all children to learn about and celebrate Juneteenth in ways that are developmentally appropriate.
This guide from the NMAAHC provides thoughtful approaches and conversation starters to help you introduce these topics with care. Begin by asking yourself guiding questions like, “Why is Juneteenth meaningful?” and “What do I hope my child takes away from this conversation?” Reflect on what your child is ready to understand now, and what might be better suited for later.
Early conversations about race and history should emphasize empowerment, joy, and cultural pride. For children under six, check out resources like Sesame Street, offering fun, empowering activities and education about race, ethnicity and culture. As children grow—typically around age 6 or 7, though some may be ready earlier—you can begin to explore the more difficult truths about slavery in a way that is honest, respectful, and age-sensitive.
These discussions will likely unfold over time. Stay open to your child’s questions, and revisit the conversation as they grow. Above all, center the humanity of those who were enslaved— through the traditions they preserved, the acts of resistance they carried out, and the strength they found in community.
Celebrate Courage & Community
Across the Triangle, there are a number of Juneteenth observances perfect for families to attend and celebrate with friends and neighbors. Below, we have compiled a list of events commemorating Juneteenth, across the Triangle.
Party at the Park: Juneteenth Edition
Location: Research Triangle Foundation of NC | 3150 Elion Dr, Durham, NC 27703
Time: 12:00 – 3:00 PM ET
Cost: Free
This family-friendly festival will be packed with celebrations! Highlights include live performances, Double-Dutch demonstrations, a splash-pad, a market highlighting Black artists and plenty of food trucks!
Juneteenth at Marbles Museum
Location: Marbles Kids Museum | 201 East Hargett Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
Time: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Cost: Outdoor Events: Free | Museum Admission (10:00 – 3:00 PM): $9 per child, $9 per adult | (past 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM) $4.50 per child | $4.50 per adult.
Celebrate Juneteenth with Marbles Museum! On-site, the museum will host FREE performances, storytimes and artists, along with Black-owned food trucks! All outdoor activities are free to the public, and museum admission must be purchased separately.
Emancipation Tours at Stagville
Location: Historic Stagville | 5828 Old Oxford Rd, Durham NC
Time: 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM or 3:00 PM ET (90 Minute Tours)
Cost: Free (Call ahead for groups of 10+)
This guided tour will explore the history of emancipation and the first year of freedom at Stagville in Durham, in 1865. This tour will reflect on the stories of formerly-enslaved families as they celebrated, defended their right to freedom, and searched for family,
Juneteenth: A Chavis Celebration
Location: John Chavis Memorial Park | 505 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Raleigh, NC 27601
Time: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Cost: Free
Celebrating, reflecting and building new memories— this is the goal of Chavis Park’s Juneteenth celebration. This free event will feature a live DJ, inflatables and facepaint for kids, as well as a variety of crafts celebrating freedom and creativity. Food trucks will also be on site!
Continuing Education
Juneteenth is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate Black stories, resilience, and triumph, while also honoring the legacy of those who endured the horrors of slavery. It’s a time to reflect on our shared history and the ongoing journey toward equity and justice. However, the most meaningful way we can truly honor this legacy is by committing to ongoing learning, advocacy, and action—not just on Juneteenth, but throughout the entire year.
There are many ways families can stay engaged and make a lasting impact, no matter the season:
Read and Learn Together:
Explore books by Black authors and about Black history and joy. For younger children, try titles like “Hair Love“ by Matthew A. Cherry or “Sulwe“ by Lupita Nyong’o. Older kids and teens might enjoy “Brown Girl Dreaming“ by Jacqueline Woodson or “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You (for Kids)“ by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi. Make it a family tradition to read and discuss these stories together.Support Black-Owned Businesses:
Be intentional about where you shop and dine. Use directories like WeBuyBlack or Official Black Wall Street to find Black-owned businesses in your area or online.Volunteer as a Family:
Find organizations working toward racial justice, education equity, or community support and offer your time. Some great places to start include:
The Conscious Kid – Focuses on parenting and education through a racial equity lens.
NAACP Youth & College Division – Provides opportunities for young people to get involved.
Local food banks, tutoring programs, or mentorship organizations that serve historically marginalized communities.
Talk About Race and Justice at Home:
Keep the conversation going. Use resources from organizations like EmbraceRace to help guide age-appropriate discussions about race, bias, and identity.Advocate for Systemic Change:
Stay informed on policies affecting racial equity in education, healthcare, housing, and criminal justice. Support legislation and initiatives that promote justice and equity, and write to your local representatives about the issues that matter to your family.