National & Civic Issues

The Thanksgiving Tale We Tell Is a Harmful Lie. As a Native American, I’ve Found a Better Way to Celebrate the Holiday

Abstract:

This article speaks to a Native man about how he chooses to spend Thanksgiving and the flaws in the story of Thanksgiving that we tell.

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Source:

Time

Author:

Sean Sherman

Published:

November 11, 2019

For some Americans, July 4 is a time not to celebrate, but reflect

Abstract:

This article discusses whether we should continue to celebrate the fourth of July in the midst of 2020’s political and social unrest.

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Source:

PBS

Author:

Courtney Vinopal

Published:

July 3, 2020

A day of reckoning

Abstract:

This article speaks to members of the Harvard community about whether or not we should celebrate Columbus Day and, if so, what should replace it.

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Source:

The Harvard Gazette

Author:

Liz Mineo

Published:

October 8, 2020

Goodbye, Columbus? Here’s what Indigenous Peoples’ Day means to Native Americans

Abstract:

This article discusses the importance of Biden’s proclamation for Native People and what Indigenous People’s Day celebrates.

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Source:

NPR

Author:

Emma Bowman

Published:

October 10, 2022

A cultural Juneteenth festival digital file from original

Abstract:

This poster shows an invitation to a Juneteenth celebration in San Francisco from the 80s. At this time Juneteenth was not an official holiday. How have Juneteenth celebrations changed since this flyer was made? Has the day becoming a holiday changed celebrations?

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Learn More About Primary Sources
Source:

Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources

Author:

Mission Gráfica and Sances, Jos

Today in History June 19th, Juneteeth

Abstract:

Read this "Today in History" to learn about the history of Juneteenth. What is the importance of Juneteenth? What is the value of making it a holiday?

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Learn More About Primary Sources
Source:

Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources

Author:

Library of Congress

Juneteenth Celebrations Commemorate Final End to Slavery

Abstract:

Juneteenth celebrations commemorate the final end of slavery in the United States. President Trump planned to hold a political rally on this celebration of freedom in Tulsa, the sight of one of the worst episodes of racial violence ever. Pressured by many, Trump rescheduled his rally to June 20th.

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Source:

Washington Post, adapted by NewsELA

Author:

DeNeen Brown

Published:

6/18/2020

The History of Juneteenth

Abstract:

On June 19th, 1865, people in Texas were informed that slavery had ended in the United States. This happened more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, and months after General Robert E. Lee surrendered. Juneteenth has remained as an annual day to celebrate freedom.

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Source:

Houston Chronicle, adapted by NewsELA

Author:

Andrew Dansby

Published:

10/31/2019

Freedom is in the Claiming

Abstract:

Juneteenth, a holiday that celebrates the arrival of the news of emancipation from slavery, has received increased attention and recognition this year. Juneteenth is not a replacement for justice and equality that Black people are still fighting for in the United States, but an important recognition and celebration of this struggle.

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Source:

New York Times

Author:

Gina Cherelus, Martha Jones, Toni Tipton-Martin & Emma Goldberg

Published:

6/19/2020

Make Juneteenth a National Holiday

Abstract:

Juneteenth should be a national holiday as we continue the fight for freedom and justice. It should be a time to reflect on history and progress, learn, and empower the Black community.

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Source:

Black Lives Matter

Published:

6/17/2020

Activists Are Pushing to Make Juneteenth a National Holiday. Here’s the History Behind Their Fight

Abstract:

When President Trump announced his plan to hold a rally in Tulsa on June 19th, there was strong opposition; he did not recognize the significance of Juneteenth or honor the site of the 1921 race massacre in Tulsa. Advocates for Juneteenth hope that this moment in history, when more and more white people are recognizing ongoing racism in the United States, will help them make Juneteenth a national holiday.

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Source:

Time

Author:

Olivia Waxman

Published:

6/17/2020

Juneteenth is Still Not a Federal Holiday, and What Supporters Are Doing to Change That

Abstract:

Some state and local governments and businesses recognize Juneteenth as a holiday. However, the federal government of the United States does not. Momentum for Juneteenth has increased as people learn more about the history of slavery and its ongoing impact on the lives of all Americans.

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Source:

Fast Company

Author:

Zlati Meyer

Published:

6/18/2020

Video: Why All Americans Should Honor Juneteenth

Abstract:

Even after the end of slavery, as Black people accumulated more wealth, education, and power, there were still lynchings and racist violence. Juneteenth is the recognition that Black lives have been expunged through racist violence and that no one has been held accountable.

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Source:

Vox

Published:

6/19/2020

Podcast: 153 Years of Juneteenth

Abstract:

Many people do not know the history and meaning of Juneteenth, even though it’s been a celebrated holiday for more than a century. Juneteenth is a national cry to celebrate Black progress and continue the fight against racism.

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Source:

The Takeaway

Author:

Priscilla Alabi & Tanzina Vega

Published:

6/19/2018

Why Juneteenth Needs To Be a National Holiday

Abstract:

Juneteenth is an important piece of our national memory, and deserves to be recognized as a nationwide holiday. Juneteenth commemorates June 19th, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Texas and freed enslaved people (two years after the Emancipation Proclamation). Recent racist killings have demonstrated that America cares too little about Black lives; recognizing Juneteenth is a good place to start in changing this recognition.

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Source:

Bustle

Author:

Lani Seelinger & Syeda Khaula Saad

Published:

6/17/2020

Calls Intensify in Congress to Make Juneteenth a Federal Holiday

Abstract:

A group of Senate Democrats plan to introduce legislation to make June 19th Juneteenth National Independence Day. Juneteenth is a recognition of America’s racist history, a celebration of the progress that Black people have made, and a recommitment to the anti racist work that still needs to be done.

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Source:

ABC News

Author:

Jack Arnholz

Published:

6/19/2020