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I didn’t originally have this topic on my schedule for June blog posts. However, a few of you asked for ideas on how to honor Juneteenth with your residents and staff. I’m glad you did because I think this is an important day to remember.
In case you’re unfamiliar with Juneteenth, it’s a day to celebrate the end of slavery in the United States. While many African Americans have celebrated the holiday since the 1800s, it only became a federal holiday in 2021. You might also hear Juneteenth (June 19) referred to as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day.
Here are 12 ways to honor Juneteenth at your senior living community:
1. Share the history of Juneteenth with your residents.
2. Recreate an art piece by a black artist such as Alma Thomas.
3. Invite an African American author, artist, or celebrity as a guest speaker.
4. Host a BBQ supper for residents, staff, and volunteers. Consider serving traditional soul food.
5. We’ve all heard of the Emancipation Proclamation, but do you know what it actually says? Your residents can listen to it on YouTube.
6. Share these 35 quotes from famous black people.
7. Check out “Crash Course” on YouTube, which covers many topics related to black history.
8. Read a book together. These “You Choose” books allow each reader to select their own ending to the story:
9. Serve a variety of red foods. Red represents the resilience of the enslaved. Popular options include red velvet cake, strawberries, watermelon, strawberry soda, red popsicles, or hibiscus tea.
10. Host a Lunch & Learn for staff. Invite a guest speaker to give a brief Juneteenth presentation to employees while they enjoy a bag lunch. (A good place to find a speaker is through your local library.)
11. Learn about famous African American inventors and how they improved our lives.
12. Enjoy songs from famous black musicians.
Now it’s your turn. How do you plan to honor Juneteenth at your senior living community this year?
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