Celebrate Father’s Day AND Juneteenth!

Today we observe two major holidays, Father’s Day and Juneteenth. Last year, we delved into the history of Father’s Day, so this year we’ll focus on Juneteenth, with an emphasis on ways in which your family can celebrate both today!

While Father’s Day took 60 years to become a national holiday, Juneteenth, which has been observed since 1866, only became a federal holiday last year – over 150 years after it began. It commemorates the true ending of slavery in the US, when Union soldiers brought news to Galveston, Texas, that the Civil War had ended and the Emancipation Proclamation, signed two-and-a-half years prior, would be enforced. Spend some time today learning more about the history of the holiday. There is lots of kid-friendly information, including resources to read and watch, here, while more adult-oriented content can be found here.

Quality time together is a great Father’s Day gift. Perhaps your family would like to spend the day at one of the Juneteenth celebrations happening in the area! Scottsdale’s is from 2 to 7pm, and if that’s not enough time for you, roll right into the Tempe celebration from 7 to 10. Both events will include art, food, music, and crafts for kids. Find the details at 12news.com.

If you plan to share a Father’s Day meal at some point in the day, how about dining at one of the many Black-owned restaurants in the Phoenix Metro area? Check out this clickable map of the dozens of restaurants and shops there are to choose from. Enjoy a Father’s Day lunch at Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles, or grab a pie from Sugar Jam Bake Shop, both of which are right here in Scottsdale!

At its heart, Juneteenth is about the long road to freedom, equality, and unity, a road we are still traveling today. And while every day is a good day to talk with your kids about what we can do to continue creating a fairer and more equitable world for everyone, today is an extra good one. So to all of the fathers and father figures out there, while the young people in your life will be giving you gifts today, guiding these conversations and helping them grow into thoughtful, compassionate people is a gift you can give to them.

How is your family observing this extra-special dual holiday? Share with us Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!