Today the Student Learning Center (SLC) honors Juneteenth.
While the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, it wasn't until June 19, 1865 - two and a half years later - that the Union Army reached Galveston Bay to announce that enslaved African Americans in Texas were free. Until that point, the Proclamation could not be enforced in locations under Confederate control.
"Juneteenth" as the day became known, has been long celebrated by Black Americans and was made a federal holiday in 2021.
As captured by the Berkeley Juneteenth Festival, "The significance and celebration of Juneteenth carries a lot of weight for African Americans: The emancipation from chattel slavery, but never forgetting the nightmare of slavery; The journey of our ancestors; Our resilience as a people for what we had to endure as because of the systemic legacy of slavery and in spite of the obstacles that were placed before us; Our unique culture, made in America, but rich with our African heritage; The contributions we have made to the fabric of America, notwithstanding our humble beginnings; And our continued commitment to equal justice under the law for all citizens."
The SLC will be closed today in observance of Juneteenth. We invite you to join us in commemorating the holiday by learning more about its history, supporting organizations dedicated to uplifting the Black community, and celebrating the resilience, culture, and contributions of Black Americans.
Learn:
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Juneteenth 2023: Black & Thriving by Berkeley Equity and Inclusion
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“Juneteenth” by the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History & Culture
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“Juneteenth, explained” by Vox
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“Juneteenth isn’t just a celebration of freedom. It’s a monument to America’s failures” by Vox
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“Slavery Didn't End On Juneteenth. What You Should Know About This Important Day” by NPR
Support:
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