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“Juneteenth offers a moment for those who envision a just society to elevate and support the ongoing freedom movement no matter where they live. It opens possibilities to do the real work of uncovering honest history—and to be honest with ourselves, especially in the wake of racial violence.” —Juneteenth Observances Promote ‘Absolute Equality’

Juneteenth—celebrated June 19—marks the announcement in June of 1865 to enslaved Black Texans that they were free. These LFJ articles help to contextualize the holiday and the ongoing fight for justice and freedom.

In the latest LFJ article, school counseling professor Riley Drake, Ph.D., outlines a model of social and emotional learning and explains “‘feeling safe’ is contextual,” especially for Black and Brown children whose needs are often overlooked in our nation’s classrooms. Relying on community partnerships, promoting mutual aid to foster solidarity and advancing restorative justice are strategies educators and other adults can employ to increase children’s feelings of safety and well-being. These LFJ resources offer more detail.

Today, Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all charges. But our legal system is still far from just, and many students may still be feeling a lack of closure. In critical moments like these, we know students look to educators for guidance. We hope you’ll reaffirm the value of Black lives. We hope you’ll create a space for students to process—not debate. And we hope you’ll get the support you need. These resources can help you hold space for critical conversations in the days to come.

We are lifting up educators and students of color as we all continue to witness fatal police shootings—this time in Minneapolis, Chicago and Honolulu—and as video circulates of police violence against a Black and Latinx man in Virginia. Please take time to care for yourself as best you can. To all educators, when addressing these acts of violence, make sure you’re aware of students who may be experiencing trauma related to these events. These resources can help you support your students and give them space to grieve.