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Juneteenth at Sac State
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 17th, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law establishing June 19th as a federal holiday to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States, which is now also a paid holiday for the CSU systemwide.
On June 19, 1865, as an aftereffect of the Civil War, Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. This news was received nearly two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation – which became official on January 1, 1863.
Emancipation Proclamation
President Abraham Lincoln, under political pressure, issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, as the nation approached its third year of bloody civil war. The proclamation declared "that all persons held as slaves" within the rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall be free."
The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.
How Sac State Celebrates Juneteenth
In 2023, Sac State celebrated Juneteenth as an entire campus by hosting a celebration on the Main Quad on June 13. The celebration included free food, games, education, and entertainment. It was a fantastic day with more than 500 campus community members celebrating, eating lunch, and learning together.
In 2024, the celebration continued, as we hosted the second biennial CSU Juneteenth Symposium on June 13 -14. The symposium celebrated and recognized African American history and achievement while promoting and sustaining the anti-racism work underway across the CSU’s 23 campuses.
Juneteenth 2024 CSU Systemwide Symposium
Sacramento State was proud to host the second biennial CSU Juneteenth Symposium, held June 13 - 14 in downtown Sacramento. The symposium was a dynamic two-day event with exciting speakers, special guest performances, and informative presentations.
Hundreds of participants came to Sacramento from each of the CSU's 23 campuses and guests from local community colleges came to share and develop strategies to counter racism and bolster Black student success. The symposium was a wonderful expression of how powerful it can be to come together centered on uncovering the truths and initiating plans to support and uplift the Black community by working to ensure students feel welcome and can excel in the CSU.
More CSU Juneteenth Symposum Excitement!
Check out more on the CSU Juneteenth Symposium!
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What Can I Do to Celebrate Juneteenth?
- Shop Black-owned businesses
- Visit African American Museums
- Register to vote and participate in voting opportunities
- Volunteer to work at Juneteenth celebrations or other related events/activities
- Take up a cause to advance education and advocacy for the Black community
- Visit Sac State campus and introduce your children to the importance of college
- Visit a library or bookstore and learn about Black history
- Share stories or watch videos with your children about the emancipation proclamation, 13th Amendment, and Black history.