Celebrating Juneteenth - June 19, 2024

Happy Juneteenth!

Eastern Michigan University is committed to recognizing the history of African descendants freed from enslavement in the United States by celebrating Juneteenth.

On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed enslaved Americans of African descent in 10 Confederate states. Despite that Proclamation, many of these people did not receive or learn of their liberation. Two years later, on June 19, 1865, Union troops freed the community of enslaved people in Galveston Bay, Texas, by notifying them of the Proclamation. Historians identify Galveston Bay as the last enslaved community in the United States and its liberation is the reason for today’s nationwide celebrations.  

The origin of Juneteenth as a federal holiday has roots here in Michigan. United States Congressperson Barabra-Rose Collins, who represented parts of Wayne County, introduced the first federal legislation to recognize “Juneteenth Independence Day” in 1996.  Opal Lee, also known as the "grandmother of Juneteenth," worked for decades to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. 

In June 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday, marking a significant step in acknowledging the struggle for civil rights and the impact of slavery in the United States. Ms. Lee was present when President Biden signed this bill.

At EMU, we take pride in being an academic community of people who share in this history. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and intellectually rigorous environment where our diverse community can learn together and belong. We encourage all members of the EMU community to observe Juneteenth in ways that build relationships, celebrate independence, and expand our understanding of history and racial justice. 

To further honor the holiday, we invite you to join us today at noon for the “Why Juneteenth Matters” lecture via Zoom featuring Mark P. Fancher, J.D., an attorney and advocate for racial and social justice. This event is hosted by the Department of Africology and African American Studies in partnership with the Department of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. Please register here for this event. We also encourage you to attend other community events that celebrate Juneteenth.

As an educational institution, we recognize the importance of recognizing this nation's history, even when that history reflects the challenges this nation has had in providing freedom for all of its citizens. We encourage you to take the time to reflect and honor the sacrifices that our ancestors have made and the challenges that we continue to face in gaining equality for all people.

Resources:
Historical Society of Pennsylvania
National Museum of African-American History

James M. Smith, Ph.D.
President

Dwight K. Hamilton, J.D.
Chief Diversity Officer