1619 - 2019: Commemorating 400 Years of African American History
Juneteenth Celebrations for SJR State Students
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States and marks the day news of emancipation finally reached Texas on June 19, 1865. Today, Juneteenth is a day that "celebrates African American freedom and achievement,while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures." Juneteenth celebrations traditionally include barbecue and a gathering of friends. source
On June 19, 2019 Student Activities will provide a celebration for SJR State students!
Event Locations
Let's come together and enjoy free barbecue and fun with friends!
St. Augustine Campus: 11:00 - 1:00 on the deck
Orange Park: In the library from noon until the food runs out!
Palatka: In the Viking Center from noon until the food runs out!
This event is provided by the Student Activities Department and is, therefore, for current SJR State students only.
Check out our Juneteenth 2019 photo album on Facebook!
Resources for Further Exploration - Juneteenth
Online Resources
What Is Juneteenth? - by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Why Juneteenth Celebrates the New Birth of Freedom - Article from The Smithsonian
Celebrating Juneteenth - from the National Museum of African American History & Culture. "Watch the video as the Museum's Founding Director Lonnie Bunch III leads a tour through our Slavery and Freedom exhibition to celebrate #Juneteenth, highlighting stories behind some of our most popular objects, including Nat Turner's bible, freedom papers of free African Americans and a Sibley tent that housed African Americans who ran from Southern plantations in search of freedom with the Union army."
Happy Juneteenth! - from Teaching Tolerance
Celebration • Education • Reflection
H.R.1242/Public Law 115-102, the 400 Years of African American History Commission Act, establishes 2019 as a year of "commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Africans in the English colonies, at Point Comfort, Virginia, in 1619." The commemoration is intended “to recognize and highlight the resilience and contributions of African-Americans since 1619; to acknowledge the impact that slavery and laws that enforced racial discrimination had on the United States; and to educate the public about the arrival of Africans in the United States; and the contributions of African-Americans to the United States.” In recognition of this commemoration and with the Act serving as a guide, the SJR State Library has organized a year-long series of events that will provide educational experiences and resources to students and the community that celebrate the history and culture of African Americans.
Site created and maintained by Dr. Christina Will. Pages will be added and maintained throughout 2019.
Maintenance will cease at the end of 2019 but this site will remain accessible.