Happy Juneteenth!

Happy Juneteenth! 

This holiday marks the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, nearly two-and-a-half years after the Proclamation was issued. While granted federal holiday status just last year(link is external), Juneteenth was first celebrated by Black Texans(link is external) in 1866 and has long been a day that symbolizes freedom.

We invite you to commemorate Juneteenth with us by attending a local celebration, learning more about the legacies of slavery, as well as making a commitment to support organizations that seek to advance Black humanity. 

The SLC will be closed, Monday, June 20, in observance of the holiday. We wish you a reflective long weekend.

Celebrate: 

• Berkeley Juneteenth Festival(link is external)

• "How to celebrate Juneteenth in the East Bay(link is external)" by Oaklandside

• "Juneteenth 2022 Events: Your Bay Area Guide to Celebrating the Holiday(link is external)" by KQED

Learn:

• “The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth(link is external)” by the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History & Culture

• “Juneteenth, explained(link is external)” by Vox

• “Juneteenth isn’t just a celebration of freedom. It’s a monument to America’s failures(link is external)” by Vox

• “There’s no freedom without reparations(link is external)” by Vox

• “Slavery Didn't End On Juneteenth. What You Should Know About This Important Day(link is external)” by NPR

Support:

• Black Organizing Project(link is external)

• East Oakland Collective(link is external)

• Ella Baker Center(link is external)

• Roots Community Health Center(link is external)

• Youth Uprising(link is external)