Behind The Name

Worksheet Description

This worksheet presents Juneteenth, an important holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, which became a federal holiday on June 15th, 2021. The name “Juneteenth” merges “June” and “nineteenth,” the date in 1865 when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas. He brought the news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were now free, pursuant to the Emancipation Proclamation by the Executive of the United States. The worksheet highlights this historic event and provides an excerpt from General Order No. 3, which General Granger read to the people of Texas, informing them of the abolition of slavery and the establishment of equality between former masters and the freed individuals.

In addition to the historical context, the worksheet engages students with critical thinking questions. It prompts them to reflect on how Juneteenth got its name and to consider the contents and implications of General Order No. 3. These questions are aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the significance of Juneteenth in American history. The worksheet serves as a tool for educators to discuss the struggle for civil rights and the ongoing journey toward achieving racial equality and justice in America.