Juneteenth 2024: A Day of Remembrance and Reflection

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day and Emancipation Day, is a significant African American holiday commemorating the emancipation of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery and that enslaved Black people there were finally free. Juneteenth has been celebrated annually by the African American community since that day.

Today, Juneteenth is celebrated in various ways across the nation. Communities come together to honor African American culture, heritage, and achievements. Festivities include parades, barbecues, concerts, family gatherings, educational programs, and art exhibitions. Juneteenth serves as a time for reflection on the struggles and resilience of African Americans throughout history and an opportunity to celebrate and uplift their contributions.

Tufts University began observing Juneteenth in 2020, with the intention of providing the university community an opportunity to pause, reflect, and contextualize the purpose and legacy of this holiday within the ongoing struggle for Black liberation. Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the need to educate ourselves, foster inclusivity, and work towards a more equitable and just society.

On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed the “Juneteenth National Independence Day Act” into law, designating Juneteenth as a federally recognized holiday. This significant milestone further solidifies the holiday's rightful place in American history and underscores the importance of understanding and celebrating its significance.

You can honor Juneteenth by learning about institutional racism, supporting the Black community, and collectively seeking pathways forward to challenge oppression. Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made and the work that still needs to be done to achieve true freedom, equality, and justice for all. By embracing Juneteenth and its historical context, Tufts University aims to foster a community that actively confronts the challenges of the past, recognizes the contributions of the Black community, and works towards a more inclusive and equitable future.