Juneteenth is a federal holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union Army Major General Gordon Granger traveled to Galveston, Texas and issued an order declaring “all slaves are free.” His actions solidified the words of President Lincoln's Emancipation Address - given two years earlier - which had proven difficult to enforce in places still under confederate control. Thus, as the last vestiges of slavery were broken, June nineteenth came to represent African American freedom.
As of March 2022, Case Western Reserve University recognizes Juneteenth as a permanent campus holiday. Resources provided in this guide are meant to raise awareness and highlight local events celebrating freedom for all people. Videos linked below provide additional historical context.
