We are often taught about the 4th of July and how America was able to gain its independence from Great Britain and become a great country. We celebrate this day because we think it's a great day of freedom and Independence, but was it really? Were all Americans able to celebrate their freedom on July 4th 1776? 

In this class, students will learn about June 19, 1865, the day that African Americans were finally freed from slavery. Juneteenth is the oldest African American holiday where we celebrate the ending of slavery in the United States of America. We are usually taught about how the emancipation proclamation freed all of the African American slaves, but that wasn't the case. Students will learn why Juneteenth is very special and important to black Americans and why it should be honored. We will have discussions about slavery, the civil war, and freedom. We will also talk about how the 4th of July is different from Juneteenth. Students will be able to understand why Fredrick Douglass said, "This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn." The main goal of this class is to inform students about Juneteenth and why it's an important celebration for African Americans.

This class will be very informative and it also connects to my other African American classes. This lesson will be interactive, and each student will have an opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions. If you have any questions about the class or suggestions please send a message.  This class could possibly go over 30 minutes, as I love to give all students the time speak if they chose to do so.