The Board of Education Will Consider “The Juneteenth Education Resolution” at Its June Action Meeting

The School District of Philadelphia Board of Education will consider the adoption of “The Juneteenth Education Resolution” at its June 29th Action Meeting. This resolution would ensure that Juneteenth is taught in all content areas in K-12 classes, beginning with the 2023-2024 school year.

Juneteenth is now a national holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Although President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared “all persons held as slaves” shall be free, on January 1, 1863, freedom for many in Confederate states would only be gained later. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers informed enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, that they were free people; and this event, known as Juneteenth today, became a celebration of independence for Black people.

The Board resolution calls for the School District to collaborate with educators, administrators and community partners to develop and provide age-appropriate instructional resources, materials and professional development opportunities that support the teaching of Juneteenth. The School District would also engage parents, families and community members by offering resources, hosting events and promoting dialogue to enhance understanding and appreciation of Juneteenth and Black history.

“Because Juneteenth is a significant historic event that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and symbolizes the ongoing struggle for freedom, equality and justice, it’s important to include this in our K-12 curriculum,” said Board President Reginald L. Streater, Esq. “It’s especially important to teach this in a School District that is dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion.”