Observed on June 19, Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day and Emancipation Day, Juneteenth recognizes June 19, 1865, as the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, received news that they were freed from slavery nearly three years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. The African American community has since celebrated Juneteenth for more than 150 years.
On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed into law a bill that had passed both the House and the Senate, making Juneteenth the 11th holiday recognized by the federal government.
Juneteenth became an official holiday at Indiana University in 2022. In addition to honoring and celebrating the day with special events and awareness programs, the day serves as a reminder of IU’s dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as the ongoing work to make IU’s campuses welcoming, supportive and safe spaces for everyone.
“I encourage the IU community to take time to reflect on the meaning of this important moment in history and to think about what each of us can do—individually and collectively—to ensure an equitable world for all,” notes James C. Wimbush, Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Interim IUB Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion and Johnson Chair for Diversity and Leadership.
Celebrating Juneteenth on Campus and Beyond
(All events are free and open to the public.)
IU Bloomington
IU Bloomington’s annual Juneteenth celebration will kick off on June 19 from 2 to 5 p.m. with a family-friendly event in the courtyard of the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center. The event will include a fish fry, games, music, a kids’ corner and an opportunity to purchase some sweet treats from Rasta Pops!
Bags of food and other essential items will be distributed as part of the George Taliaferro Giving Program. NMBCC apparel will also be available for purchase!
IUPUI
Poets, visual artists, storytellers, musicians and more will be on hand to celebrate Juneteenth at IUPUI on June 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Central Library, 40 East St. Clair Street, Indianapolis. Featured speaker Fay Williams will discuss the history of Juneteenth and its significance today. The event includes a free 360 photobooth with DJ IN4RED and kids’ activities!
IU Northwest
Commemorate African American freedom and honor the history of Juneteenth by attending IU Northwest’s kick-off event on June 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Anderson Library Conference Center Courtyard. The event will feature free food, music, history and Juneteenth giveaway items!
Visit iun.edu/diversity for a complete listing of events at IU Northwest.
IU Southeast
From June 17-23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., faculty, staff and students with a Crimson Card can receive free tickets to the Roots 101 African American Museum in Louisville. Visitors will discover a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience that engages people of all ages and backgrounds in a meaningful exploration of African American history, culture and art. (Available while supplies last.)
Visit events.iu.edu to learn more about events across IU’s nine campuses.