Juneteenth Rap Poem by Oni Lasana

Juneteenth Rap for Kids (C) 5/11/26 Oni Lasana Productions
Music: Boys & Girls Gather Around by Reggae Randy
The story poem.....

June 19th is a day of Freedom, no more slavery. no more hate.
Juneteenth is a day of togetherness, everyone can participate
Long ago people worked very hard…but they were never paid
Building houses, railroads, and growing food, lots of money was made.

But the people never saw a single dime -
long ago, in that very strange time
Then in America, there was a big fight
Bad guys were wrong…and good guys were right!

At the end of the war, good people came together
to help other good people be free!
Cause that's how people, that's how people,
that's how people are supposed to be.
Just like you and just like me!
That's how people are supposed to be
Just like you, and just like me,
That's how people are supposed to be!
Chorus:
Today, we the people, are all born free
I can like you and you can like me
Cuz that's how people are supposed to be
Free! Free! Free! Free! Free! Free

In Galveston, Texas they learned they were free,
two years too late! Where could they go? How did they know?
about the proclamation to Emancipate?
Emancipate is a really big word…just for being FREE.
Cuz that's how people, that how people, that's how people are supposed to be!
Just like you and just like me,
that's how people are supposed to be!

Free to live, love and laugh together, in peace and harmony
Now every Juneteenth is a day to remember -
How great it is to be free!
Cause that's how people, that's how people, that's how people are supposed to be
Just like you and just like me!
That's how people are supposed to be!
Just like you and just like me!
Yes, that's how people are supposed to be!
(with music- free music drum breakdown…
Free Free! Free! Free! Free! Free! Free! Free! etc….
Final Chorus:
Today, we the people are all born free
I can like you and you can like me
Cuz that's how people are supposed to be
Free, free, free, free, free, free, free!

Free to live, love and laugh together - in peace and harmony
Now every Juneteenth is a day to remember -
How great it is to be free!
So I can like you and you can like me
That's how great it is to be free
So I can like you and you can like me!
Cuz that's how people are suppose to be.
Free, free, free…et al…etc…

Repeat Chorus & last stanza to free fade out
Juneteenth Rap © 2026 Oni Lasana Productions