Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, will once again be celebrated through various events organized by the University of Chicago community and supported by the Office of the Provost Diversity & Inclusion.
On June 19, 1865, “General Orders No. 3” were read in Galveston, Texas, bringing news of freedom to enslaved people—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
Today, Juneteenth remains both a day of celebration and a reminder of ongoing struggles for racial justice.
Looking for ways to celebrate? Below are events at UChicago and around Hyde Park held throughout June and beyond that recognize the important holiday.
Have an event you’d like us to add? Contact us at news-office@uchicago.edu.
Ongoing
Go on an ISAC Museum Juneteenth tour
Visit the ISAC Museum on UChicago’s campus to take a self-guided tour exploring the engagement of Black artists, historians and intellectuals with the ancient world.
Download the ISAC app or pick up a brochure at the museum to discover the work of artists like Edmonia Lewis, Drusilla Dunjee Houston and Robert Seldon Duncanson.
The tour will be available beginning June 15.
Through June 16
See a play about civil rights activist Stokely Carmichael
Get tickets for the final week of Stokely: The Unfinished Revolution at UChicago’s Tony Award- winning Court Theatre. Written by Nambi E. Kelley and directed by Tasia A. Jones, the play tells the true story of civil rights activist Kwame Ture, born Stokely Carmichael.
Final performance June 16.
June 18
Immerse yourself in the history of Juneteenth
Attend Freedom’s Echoes: An Immersive Juneteenth Celebration at the Eckhardt Research Center Atrium (5640 S Ellis Ave.). Starting at 10 a.m., explore interactive displays throughout the day that bring the history, culture and impact of Juneteenth to life.
At 3 p.m., members of the UChicago community are invited to attend a presentation and discussion on the historical and contemporary relevance of Juneteenth.
Event hosted by PME Administrative and Operational Team, PME Committee on Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion and National Society of Black Engineers at UChicago.
Attend a Juneteenth Lunch and Learn
Join Language Pedagogy Specialist Déja Motley for a Juneteenth “Lunch and Learn” event in Cobb Hall. From 10:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., learn and discuss the history of Juneteenth, create paintings with Afro aesthetics and enjoy a free soul food lunch.
Event organized by the English Language Institute at the University of Chicago
Celebrate at UChicago’s Center for the Study of Race, Politics & Culture
All members of the UChicago community are welcome to attend the Juneteenth Celebration Meet & Greet hosted by BIA, Black Men Engaged, POC and Nappy Hour. From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. drop by the Center for the Study of Race, Politics & Culture (5733 South University Ave.) to enjoy music, food and great company.