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, Juneteenth was first celebrated by Black Texans 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

• "How to celebrate Juneteenth in the East Bay" by Oaklandside

• "Juneteenth 2022 Events: Your Bay Area Guide to Celebrating the Holiday" by KQED

Learn:

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

• “Juneteenth, explained” by Vox

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

• “There’s no freedom without reparations” by Vox

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

Support:

• Black Organizing Project

• East Oakland Collective

• Ella Baker Center

• Roots Community Health Center

• Youth Uprising