Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is a significant day in American history. It commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The celebration originates from June 19, 1865, when Union Army soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the freedom of enslaved people in the region. Although President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation more than two years earlier, some enslavers in different parts of the country disregarded it.
While the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution formally ended slavery on December 6, 1865, June 19th became a symbolic day of freedom for many African Americans, often referred to as a “second Independence Day.” In 2021, Juneteenth was recognized as a federal holiday in the United States, a momentous occasion that Yale University also honors.
To celebrate Juneteenth, various events and activities are taking place in and around Yale’s campus. The International Festival of Arts and Ideas in New Haven, in collaboration with Yale University and other local organizations, is hosting several free celebrations and events for people of all ages. These events include musical performances, educational presentations, family-friendly festivals, bike tours, and dance masterclasses that explore traditional celebratory Afrodiasporic dances from the Caribbean and West Africa.
Additionally, the New Haven Museum offers a guided tour of the exhibition “Shining Light on Truth: New Haven, Yale, and Slavery,” which delves into the history of slavery and its impact on the local community. The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library is showcasing the exhibition “Douglass, Baldwin, Harrington,” which celebrates the contributions of Frederick Douglass, James Baldwin, and Ollie Harrington to Black history, art, and culture.
For those interested in learning more about Juneteenth and African American history, the Yale Office of the Secretary and Vice President for University Life has curated educational resources. Belonging at Yale’s “Focus on Juneteenth” page offers a collection of events, media, and opportunities to educate oneself and support the ongoing fight for justice.
As we commemorate Juneteenth and reflect on the end of slavery in America, it is essential to recognize the significance of this day in our nation’s history and to continue working towards a more just and equitable society for all. Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead in the fight against racism and inequality.
