June 19 is Juneteenth — the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. The UCOP Black Staff and Faculty Organization (BSFO) invites all employees to recognize this important day by joining together for several planned events. More information will be shared soon, but please mark your calendar for the following dates:

• Monday, June 14: Conversation on Reparations (2 – 3 p.m.)
• Tuesday, June 15: Meditation Healing Session (9 – 10 a.m.)
• Wednesday, June 16: BSFO Variety Show (11 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
• Friday, June 18: DJ Dance Party (5-6 p.m.)

For questions about these events, please contact Claire Donnelly and Joyce Price.

About Juneteenth

Juneteenth is celebrated annually on June 19. It was on this date in 1865 when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger issued a proclamation in Galveston, Texas, that all slaves had been freed. This was more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation; however, white Texan landowners had taken advantage of their distance from the U.S. government to continue slavery as long as possible.

The holiday of Juneteenth grew and spread throughout Texas, despite the resistance black leaders often faced in racist communities. It slowly made its way around the country as black Texans emigrated from their home state, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day and Emancipation Day.

The national prominence of Juneteenth grew recognizably after the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.  Civil Rights leaders encouraged delegates who had planned to attend King’s Poor People’s March to return home on June 19 to celebrate Juneteenth in their communities. Today, 43 U.S. states and the District of Columbia have recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday, ceremonial holiday or day of observance.

For more information about the history of Juneteenth, visit “The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross” and the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation.

About BFSO

The Black Staff and Faculty Organization (BSFO) includes all people of African descent. All UCOP staff members are invited to participate. For more information, or to join the listserv, please contact Latascha Magness-Cotton or Ghanya Thomas.

About

View all post by