UHart Celebrates Juneteenth

June 10, 2022

Submitted By: Office of Diversity, Equity, and Community Engagement

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is a time for celebration, education, and reflection. Today, the University of Hartford, along with people across the nation, are commemorating Juneteenth, the day in 1865 on which enslaved people in Texas learned that the Civil War and their enslavement came to an end, more than two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Institutionally, we join in recognizing the significance of this historic day. We encourage members of our campus community to engage in further education about the history and importance of the day; contribute to campus, local, state, and/or national initiatives that focus on anti-racism and ending systems of white supremacy; and participate in local celebrations.

History of the Holiday

Source: Juneteenth.com

“Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19 that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation—which had become official January 1, 1863. 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.

“Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas, a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics, and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement, and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long overdue. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities, and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.”

Educational Resources:

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Community Engagement encourages further engagement. Below is a listing of resources that will provide an expanded understanding of the history of Juneteenth and manifestations of racism. This list is a small sample of the abundance of resources available online.

6 ways to be antiracist, because being 'not racist' isn't enough – Mashable
The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth – National Museum of African American History & Culture
How to be an Antiracist, by Ibram X. Kendi
Island of Color: Where Juneteenth Started, by Izola Ethel Fedford Collins
On Juneteenth, by Annette Gordon-Reed
Anti-Racist Action and Becoming Part of the Solution – Psychology Today
Slavery Didn’t End on Juneteenth. What You Should Know About This Important Day – NPR
So You Want to Learn about Juneteenth? – The New York Times
What it means to be anti-racist – Vox
Why all Americans should honor Juneteenth – Vox

Local Juneteenth Events and Celebrations

UHart's celebration is on June 16 at 6 p.m. on campus, and although the registration deadline has passed, there are many celebrations and programs available within the Greater Hartford Community.

See the full lineup of offerings below:

June 18 | 11 a.m. | Juneteenth Parade

Blue Hills Ave., between Wintonbury Ave. and Rockwell Ave., Bloomfield, Conn.

The Blue Hills Fire Department, in partnership with Town Council member Suzette DeBeatham-Brown, The Town of Bloomfield, and The Town of Windsor is having its first Juneteenth Parade on Saturday, June 18. Any organizations, groups, bands, etc. that are interesting in participating, please contact dbanks@bluehillsfire.org.

June 18 | 1 p.m. | Juneteenth Celebration Concert with The Ray of Hope Project

McMahon Wintonbury Library, 1015 Blue Hills Ave., Bloomfield, Conn.

Entertainment will be provided by the award-winning Alika Hope and The Ray of Hope Project. Libraries, schools, and museums throughout the U.S. have enjoyed working with The Ray of Hope Project to create performance pieces that connect today's social issues to those of 19th-century enslaved people and abolitionists. The ultimate goal of this project is to help people connect with history to explore their own sense of freedom and responsibility for today's social justice issues, and to use this exploration to affect positive change in our world.

June 18 | 1 p.m. | Juneteenth Community Celebration

Wilson-Gray YMCA, 444 Albany Ave., Hartford, Conn.

Come out and celebrate! Enjoy food, music, 3-point contest, health screening, local vendors, games prizes and more!

June 19 | 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. | West Hartford CommUNITY Juneteenth Celebration

Blue Back Square, 65 Memorial Rd., West Hartford, Conn.

June 19 | 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Juneteenth in the Park

Black Lives Matter Mural, Bushnell Park, Trinity St., Hartford, Conn.

The City of Hartford and the Amistad Center for Art & Culture will host a Juneteenth celebration in Bushnell Park. The day will include live music, fine art, food trucks and fun for kids of all ages.

June 19 | 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Juneteenth Community Cookout

Blue Hills Fire Department, 1021 Blue Hills Avenue, Bloomfield, Conn.

A Juneteenth Community Cookout will also be hosted by the Blue Hills Fire Department, in partnership with Town Council member Suzette DeBeatham-Brown, the Town of Bloomfield, and the Town of Windsor.

Questions, Comments, or Suggestions?

Contact Christine Grant, Assistant Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Community Engagement (cgrant@hartford.edu; 860.768.4220) and/or Lisa Coté, Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (licote@hartford.edu; 860.768.4932).