Analyze And Contemplate

Worksheet Description

This worksheet provides an excerpt from a statement made by former President Barack Obama on the observance of Juneteenth, coupled with an illustrative image of him. The text reflects on a painting in the White House that depicts the night of December 31, 1862, portraying an African-American family gathered around a clock, anxiously awaiting the moment of emancipation. It emphasizes the historical weight of anticipation and the prolonged struggle for true freedom, highlighting that even after the Emancipation Proclamation, the slaves of Galveston, Texas, had to wait more than two years to learn of their liberty.

The second paragraph of the statement transitions from historical reflection to present-day considerations, connecting the past struggles for equality with ongoing efforts toward justice and civic action. By engaging with this text, students are invited to contemplate the significance of Juneteenth as a symbol of progress and as a call to action, recognizing the need for persistent effort in the pursuit of equality and the realization of the nation’s highest ideals. This worksheet offers an opportunity for educators and students to discuss the meaning of Juneteenth within the context of American history and its relevance today.