Past, present, and bright future

“In the warm, dusty landscape of Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, came a moment that changed the life of a man named Samuel - a man who had known nothing but enslavement for his entire life.”

These are the opening lines of “A Juneteenth Story,” by School of Education Professor and President of Black Student, Faculty, Staff, Administrators, and Alumni (BSFSAA) Association Conroy Reynolds and echo the “meaning of Juneteenth through the eyes of one who would have lived through it.”

Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, is held annually on June 19, marking the date in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their liberation, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

In collaboration with University of Redlands Staff Assembly (URSA), BSFSAA, and the Office of Inclusion and Community (OIC), the University will host special on-campus events this month to celebrate and educate the community members about Juneteenth.

Ways to celebrate Juneteenth on campus

Juneteenth celebration — June 11, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Hunsaker Plaza
Join BSFSAA, URSA, OIC, and community members in knowledge sharing, engagement, and celebration of Black culture and excellence, by exploring hip-hop through poetry, music, Krump, breakdancing, and graffiti art.

Juneteenth flag and communications — June 17 – 21, Administration Building
The University will fly the Juneteenth flag out front of the Administration Building. During the week of Juneteenth, BSFSAA plans to send a university-wide communication highlighting Juneteenth and providing some context for the holiday’s significance.

BSFSAA presentation to the University — June 18, 10 a.m., Hall of Letters 100
The BSFSAA executive board will present a commemorative Juneteenth coin to the University of Redlands. President Krista Newkirk will accept the coin on behalf of the University. This event will also be live-streamed at the link here.

Juneteenth exhibit — June 18 – 30, Armacost Library, 2nd floor lobby
Check out the Juneteenth coin, flag, and other unique artifacts on display in the Armacost.