What You Should Know About Juneteenth

What Is Juneteenth?

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Juneteenth, officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, is a U.S. federal holiday observed every year on June 19. It commemorates the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger reached Galveston, Texas, and announced General Order No. 3, declaring the freedom of more than 250,000 enslaved people—over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

The holiday’s name combines "June" and "nineteenth." It was first celebrated in Texas in 1866, spread across the U.S. during the Great Migration and Civil Rights Era, grew more visible in the 1970s–80s, and became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021.

Historical Significance

• Emancipation Context: Although the Emancipation Proclamation took effect January 1, 1863, many enslaved people—especially in remote Confederate places like Texas—remained unaware until Union troops enforced it.

• Cultural Evolution: Early observances involved church gatherings, communal feasts, and prayers. Activities evolved to include food festivals, reenactments, parades, and the reading of General Order No. 3, keeping alive the memory of slavery’s end.

• Traditions & Symbols: Common customs include cookouts with red foods, music, educational events, and the raising of the Juneteenth flag—designed in 1997 by Ben Haith—which symbolizes freedom, unity, and new beginnings.

  
  

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What Juneteenth Celebrates Today

Juneteenth honors both the liberation of enslaved people and African American culture and resilience. It blends festive expression—such as concerts, parades, and communal meals—with reflective components, including educational panels, readings, and community outreach .

Juneteenth at the University of Illinois

The University of Illinois has integrated Juneteenth into its academic and community fabric, highlighting awareness, equity, and engagement:

• Extension Programs: The University of Illinois Extension hosts Juneteenth events statewide, featuring resource fairs, scholarship drives, art exhibitions, educational presentations, and community networking—designed to foster two-way engagement between the University and local communities.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Cancer Center Recognition: UI Cancer Center (UIC) publicly honors Juneteenth’s meaning, framing it within the broader pursuit of health equity and diverse scientific leadership, as part of its mission to address disparities in cancer outcomes.

  
  

• Champaign‑Urbana Celebrations: Local Juneteenth gatherings include:

  • A flag‑raising ceremony in Urbana at the city building.

  • A public block party at Illinois Terminal by MTD (the local transit district), complete with historical displays and free rides.

  • Library‑sponsored events featuring performances, history talks, local artists, outdoor games, and prizes.

    
    

• Campus-wide Recognition: Since Juneteenth became a federal holiday, the University has observed it officially, with in‑person events at Douglass Park (Champaign) and flag-raisings in Urbana during mid‑June 2022 and 2025.

  
  

• Arts & Lectures: The Krannert Center recently hosted a free Juneteenth concert featuring Talib Kweli to spotlight Black artistry in collaboration with Illinois Soul 101.1 FM. Meanwhile, the Center for Lincoln Studies at UIS offers annual lectures exploring Juneteenth’s historical significance in partnership with Juneteenth Inc. 

  
  
  
  

Juneteenth stands as a pivotal moment in American history—the final enforcement of emancipation on June 19, 1865. Over more than 150 years, it has grown into a national holiday celebrating Black freedom, culture, achievement, and continuing efforts toward equity. At the University of Illinois, Juneteenth is honored through educational programming, community outreach, artistic expression, and institutional observances, reflecting its ongoing relevance in both state and academic life.