Juneteenth 2022


Yellow word Juneteenth on background of three color blocks of red, black, and green. KU DEIB logo below in white over translucent blue image of Strong Hall

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth, which recognizes when enslaved individuals in Galveston, TX learned of the end of the war and the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation with the control of the area now in Union army hands on June 19, 1865, more than two months after Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox, VA, is one of several emancipation dates that people of African descent celebrate in the United States. Many African Americans have celebrated Juneteenth for generations before it became a federally recognized holiday on June 17, 2021. Across the country, and throughout the diaspora, different regional and national celebrations of emancipation take place annually which connect many African diasporic communities. We invite our campus to explore the rich history of African American emancipation celebrations this Juneteenth and to explore the resources here that can contextualize the celebration within larger historic struggles for Black liberation.

The Problem with Juneteenth - The Black Agenda Report

Juneteenth was a people's holiday with deep meaning for the descendants of enslaved people. But the declaration of an official federal holiday has turned it into an opportunity for corporate exploiters and cynical politicians to show pretend concern for Black people. At best Juneteenth provides a history lesson and an opportunity for much needed political education.

Read more from the Black Agenda Report below.
Juneteenth celebrated in Emancipation Park, Houston, Texas in 1880 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons) A large group people posing for a photo.

Champions of Literacy

Champions of Literacy
Nikole Hannah-Jones & The New York Times Magazine 1619 Project
June 16th, 2022
@8pm ET / 7pm CT / 5pm PT
Champions of Literacy featuring images of Nikole Hannah-Jones, Kimberlé Crenshaw, & Darren Walker

Juneteenth in Lawrence

Celebrate Juneteenth here in Lawrence! Events on June 16-17 and June 18. Visit link for more details.
red, black, and green blocked background with words Juneteenth Lawrence, KS

Juneteenth KC

Heritage Festival June 18, 12-9PM
Juneteenth KC logo. Black star with red K and green C over black star. Red and blue star decor around the black star.

Love Does -2022 Juneteenth Celebration at the Lied Center

June 18, 7:30PM
“Love Does” celebrates Juneteenth and the rich history and culture of the African American people. This multimedia event brings to the stage a message of freedom, love, forgiveness and healing. At the event, community members from Douglas County will come together to celebrate Juneteenth and talk about the vision for true freedom. FREE event. Open to the public. No tickets required.

The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth

Learn about the historical legacy of Juneteenth from the National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC).
Emancipation Day celebration, June 19, 1900 held in "East Woods" on East 24th Street in Austin. Credit: Austin History Center. Image shows 2 Black women and 4 Black men standing and looking at the camera.