All events sponsored by the Division of Institutional Equity, Diversity and Justice.

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Juneteenth, Freedom Day

On June 19th, we honor the end of slavery in the United States and the day in 1865 when news of the Emancipation Proclamation – issued by President Lincoln two and a half years earlier – finally reached the last remaining slaves in Texas. The year following, freed persons in Texas organized the first annual celebration of “Jubilee Day” on June 19. Now known as Juneteenth, it is the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery and perhaps the most significant event in American history. It is a date that acknowledges the fundamental promise of America: for a life of equality, liberty and freedom for all.  One hundred and fifty-six years later, we are still pursuing that American promise.

Juneteenth recognizes a belated liberation for Black people in the United States, yet is a reminder that, although our nation has come a long way from our history of state-sanctioned slavery and segregation, the continuing work to promote racial equality and justice for all remains unfinished.