Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates a pivotal moment in American history: the end of slavery in the United States. Though the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, news of freedom took much longer to reach enslaved people in all corners of the country. It wasn't until Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 that the enslaved there finally learned of their liberation. Juneteenth serves as a day to celebrate this long-awaited freedom, a testament to the perseverance and resistance of Black communities throughout the ordeal of slavery. It's also a day of reflection on the ongoing struggle for racial equality and a joyous occasion to honor the rich culture and contributions of African Americans.
The University of Kentucky Center for Graduate and Professional Diversity Initiatives (CGPDI), in collaboration with the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, is proud to announce a special celebration of Juneteenth.
The City of Lexington's events for Juneteenth.
External Link
UK HealthCare Chief Diversity Officer discusses importance of Juneteenth.
The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth.
History of Juneteenth
