June 19 marks a pivotal event in our country’s history. While the Emancipation Proclamation became official on January 1, 1863, many enslaved Africans lived in states where slavery continued or where they did not know that they were free. On June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger informed more than 250,000 slaves in Texas that they were legally freed. The now annual celebration of Juneteenth began a year later on June 19, 1866.
Also known as “Freedom Day,” “Emancipation Day” or “Jubilee,” Juneteenth is one of our country’s oldest celebrations of the abolition of slavery, but not every American is familiar with the observance. This year, we are hopeful that many more people in our UC San Diego community will take the opportunity to learn more about Juneteenth and explore the history and meaning of this annual event. Now a federal holiday, this year Juneteenth will be observed on Monday, June 19, 2023.
UC San Diego’s Black Staff Association (BSA) will host the 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Tuesday, June 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Price Center Ballroom East. This year’s theme “Hip Hop, Liberation & Kujichagulia” focuses on education, signature dishes, and the historical relevance of soulful music. The program will celebrate the vibrancy and creativity of Black culture and express appreciation for the Black Excellence exemplified across the University. Complimentary food will be provided to the first 200 Tritons who reserve their ticket online.
Register for the 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration and Black Excellence Awards.
In recognition of this annual event, two hours of administrative leave with pay have been approved for employees to attend the event. Supervisors, upon request, may approve the use of such leave when the absence does not infringe upon the performance of required job duties or patient care.
We encourage everyone at UC San Diego to take time to reflect on our country, its treatment of Black people, and to consider how our UC San Diego commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion can help unite our diverse society to explore and find solutions to end systemic racism and anti-blackness.
We wish you all a meaningful Juneteenth observance.
