Office of Access and Excellence

Celebrating Juneteenth

June 8, 2026

Dear Brandeis Community,

We look forward to honoring and celebrating Juneteenth this year. Also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19th each year to recognize the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.

The origins of Juneteenth can be traced back to June 19, 1865. On that historic day, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3, officially proclaiming the end of slavery in Texas — one of the last remaining Confederate states to receive the news. This occurred more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued by President Abraham Lincoln.

Today, Juneteenth represents a significant milestone in the fight for freedom and justice. It symbolizes the resilience, determination, and strength of African Americans who endured the hardships of slavery and the struggle for emancipation. It is a day to reflect on the progress of Black communities, celebrate their culture and achievements, and to promote justice for all. While Juneteenth is a day to celebrate the abolition of slavery in the United States, it also reminds us of the ongoing efforts to promote equality for all people.

By honoring Juneteenth, we acknowledge that Black lives matter, the agency of African Americans in socio-historical events, and the ongoing fight against systemic racism and discrimination. This observance provides an opportunity to learn about Black excellence and resilience in the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout history. We ask you to learn more about racial struggles, get involved, as well as foster dialogue for even more understanding and unity. While this is a day of celebration and reflection, it is also a day of rest for all. At Brandeis, it is a staff and faculty holiday and summer school classes will not meet as we mark the occasion.

Accordingly, we will celebrate Juneteenth on Wednesday, June 17, as the Intercultural Center, the Center for Spiritual Life, and the Gender and Sexuality Center will co-host another edition of Be Curious Bites. Enjoy a local food truck while learning about the history of Juneteenth and Pride Month in a bite-sized format. All students, staff, and faculty are welcome to participate!

Be Curious Bites – Juneteenth and Pride Month Edition
June 17, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Shapiro Campus Center

Our Brandeis Library has the following resources highlighting Juneteenth:

For more resources on the history of Juneteenth and how to celebrate, visit:

To find out where you can join the commemorative activities in the Boston metro area, visit:

In solidarity,

Marcus Curry
Program Administrator, Intercultural Center

Lee Bitsóí, EdD
Vice Provost for Access and Excellence
Associate Research Professor of Health: Science, Society and Policy