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Student Article

Juneteenth: The Day Freedom Reached Everyone

By: Emma Mason
Originally Published in  HistoryExtra

Juneteenth is a special holiday that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. It remembers the day in 1865 when many people in Texas finally learned they were free. Today, families and communities celebrate Juneteenth with music, food, and learning about history.

The article "Juneteenth: The Day Freedom Reached Everyone" from BBC's HistoryExtra tells us about Juneteenth, the longest-running African-American holiday.

Student Article Info

BBC's HistoryExtra is devoted to both British and world history and aimed at readers of all levels of knowledge and interest. Learn more about subscriptions here.

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Illustration of many hands raised up with hearts drawn on the palms and text 'Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom'
© Getty

Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

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Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 600-800L
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Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 900-1000L
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