“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
3 John 1:4
In celebration of Juneteenth Day, the children at St. Ann Center’s Bucyrus Campus made their voices heard during a freedom march around the 7.5 acre grounds.
Hoisting handmade signs, students in the childcare program proclaimed a message that’s echoing across the country, Black Lives Matter.
Discussions of race, heritage, equality and justice aren’t new to these kids. “We start talking about these issues during Black History Month and just keep learning from there,” said teacher Diamond Beard.
The teachers agreed Juneteenth Day, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, would be the perfect time to talk to their students about freedom and standing up for a cause. “You’d be surprised how aware these little ones are about what’s happening in society,” Diamond said, referring to Milwaukee and nationwide protest marches.
With their teachers’ help, children from 1 to 9 covered poster boards with “Our Lives Matter,” “Stop the Violence” and “My Dad’s Life Matters.” Many signs were illustrated with photos of their families.
“It’s heartwarming to see the innocence of our children…unafraid to be Black,” said Diane Beckley, Chief Operating Officer.