STEM’s family has a long history of celebrating Black holidays going back to his grandparent’s role in the first Kwanzaa. This year, he is especially excited about the family gathering for their Juneteenth celebration – because he has a surprise for them.

Even before Juneteenth became a national holiday, STEM’s parents and grandparents always taught him and his sister, Imani, that some stories about the holiday are not true.

So, when STEM’s teacher taught his fourth-grade class that slavery lasted for an extra two-and-a-half years in Texas because Black people didn’t know slavery had ended, STEM and a girl named Assata decided to prove that wasn’t true.

With their parents’ help, they apply the Seven Principles, using math, technology, and art to show Black people had effective communication systems – even during enslavement. Because of the many ways they received and shared information, they show how it is impossible that such important news didn’t reach Black people in Texas for over two years.

STEM’s father explains what really happened on June 19, 1865 – leaving no doubt about the real reason Black people continued to be enslaved in Texas after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

STEM ‘n ‘Nem™ adventures explore Black people’s history, future, and our role as S.T.E.M. innovators. The stories promote strong bonds between us, using technology to answer questions and solve problems, and using the Seven Principles to guide our daily life.

Look out for STEM ‘n ‘Nem™ books and videos at https://stem-n-nem.com.