I have learned that some of life's most important lessons come from understanding one another's stories. Juneteenth is one of those stories that deserves to be shared with our children.

At Bright Bees Kids, we believe learning about history helps children develop compassion, respect, and a greater appreciation for the diverse world around them. This June, we proudly recognize Juneteenth, a day that celebrates freedom, resilience, and hope.

Juneteenth is observed each year on June 19 and commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed. While freedom had legally been declared, many people did not learn of their freedom until much later. Juneteenth reminds us of the importance of justice, equality, and ensuring that every voice is heard.

As parents, grandparents, caregivers, and educators, we have an opportunity to teach our children that history is not just about dates and events. It is about people, families, struggles, triumphs, and the values we carry forward. Throughout my life , I had the privilege of working with people from every corner of our nation and around the world. Those experiences taught me that our differences make us stronger and that understanding each other's histories helps build respect and unity.

For young children, Juneteenth can be introduced through conversations about fairness, kindness, freedom, and treating others with dignity. It is a chance to celebrate the strength and contributions of African Americans while encouraging children to appreciate the many cultures and traditions that enrich our communities.

Families can honor Juneteenth by reading books together, visiting local cultural events, creating artwork that celebrates freedom and unity, or simply taking time to talk about what freedom means. These small moments often become the lessons children remember most.

At Bright Bees Kids, we are committed to nurturing curious minds and compassionate hearts. As we celebrate Juneteenth, let us encourage our children to learn from the past, embrace diversity, and help create a future where everyone feels valued, respected, and free to reach their fullest potential.

"Children may not remember every lesson we teach, but they will remember the values we model. Juneteenth gives us an opportunity to model respect, understanding, and appreciation for the freedoms we all share."– Bright Bees Kids Family Corner 🐝

WRITING CONTEST

GIVEAWAY

WRITING CONTEST GIVEAWAY

Bright Bees Kids Juneteenth

Writing Contest & Giveaway

Do you know someone who inspires you through resilience, pride, kindness, leadership, or love? Bright Bees Kids is inviting young writers to celebrate the people who make a difference in their lives through the power of words.

How to Enter

To enter the Bright Bees Kids Young Authors Writing Contest, complete your writing submission and upload it through the Contact Us form on our website. Please include the student's name, age, grade level, parent or guardian contact information, and the title of the submission.

Contest Rules

Open to students in Kindergarten through 8th Grade.
One entry per student.
Entries must be the student's original work.
Writers must use the vocabulary words assigned to their division.
Submissions should focus on a person the student admires who demonstrates pride, resilience, courage, kindness, love, leadership, or perseverance.
All entries must be submitted by July 31.
Winners will be announced on September 1.

Recognition & Features

By entering the contest, participants grant Bright Bees Kids permission to feature their first name, grade level, photo (if provided), and writing submission on our website and social media channels.

Selected winners and standout entries may be:
Featured on the Bright Bees Kids Members Page
Highlighted in our next Family Corner blog article
Showcased on Bright Bees Kids social media platforms Recognized as Young Authors within the Bright Bees Kids community

We believe every child has a story worth sharing, and we can't wait to celebrate the creativity, courage, and imagination of our young writers!

Contest Prompt

Choose a person you admire and write about how they demonstrate resilience, pride, love, courage, leadership, or kindness. This could be a family member, teacher, coach, community leader, historical figure, or someone who inspires you every day.

Each submission must incorporate grade-level vocabulary words provided by Bright Bees Kids. Entries will be judged on creativity, use of vocabulary, organization, and how well the writer communicates their ideas.

Grade Divisions

Beginner Division

Kindergarten – 2nd Grade

Students should use at least 3–5 vocabulary words from their grade-level list in their writing submission.
Kindergarten
- Friend
- Love
- Happy
- Help
- Share
- Kind
- Family
- Learn
- Brave
- Proud

Intermediate Division

3rd Grade – 5th Grade

Choose at least 6-8 words:
- Courage
- Resilience
- Diversity
- Confidence
- Leadership
- Inspiration
- Perseverance
- Achievement
- Responsibility
- Equality
- Integrity
- Unity
- Opportunity
- Motivation
- Dedication

Advanced Division

6th Grade – 8th Grade

Choose at least 7-9 words:
- Advocacy
- Empowerment
- Justice
- Equity
- Liberation
- Representation
- Heritage
- Legacy
- Accountability
- Transformation
- Determination
- Perspective
- Influence
- Progress
- Compassion

Prizes

One winner will be selected from each division.

Each winner will receive:

A limited-edition Bright Bees Kids commemorative T-shirt
A $15 gift card of choice to your favorite restaurant
Recognition on Bright Bees Kids social media and website

Limited Edition Winner T-Shirt

Contest Timeline

Contest Opens: July 1, 2026
Submission Deadline: July 31, 2026
Winners Announced: September 1, 2026

We can't wait to read your stories and celebrate the young voices in our community. Pick up your pencil, tell your story, and show us the power of your words!

Into the Hive: Learning About Freedom and Juneteenth