Honoring Juneteenth: A Reflection on Freedom, History, and Community

June 19, 2025 marks the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth — the day Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War and the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Although the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed more than two years earlier, this moment marked a critical turning point in American history. Juneteenth has since become a powerful annual tradition commemorating Black freedom, resilience, and joy, and was recognized as a federal holiday in 2021.

This year, we are one of the sponsors for the Soul of the Southside, a festival centering "Black voices and contributions, fostering a powerful sense of kinship, cultural pride, and unity." We welcome our University of Minnesota community to join us there or at one join one of the many Juneteenth events in Minnesota listed here.

Together, let us continue to honor the legacy of Juneteenth, celebrate Black freedom and futures, and strengthen our collective commitment to equity and justice.

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Sponsors