Juneteenth
Celebrating Juneteenth
Carthage College is proud to observe Juneteenth, the day in 1865 that enslaved Black people in Texas were notified of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, granting them their freedom.
Each year since 1865, June 19 has been a day to celebrate the historic moment when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved Black people that they were free — more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation took effect. On that day, Texas became the last location in the United States to free the last remaining enslaved people.
Carthage College joins Black communities across America in celebrating this important day. What began as a day of independence has become a testament to the strength and resilience of Black Americans as they continue their fight for equality.
Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony
A Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 19, at the Kissing Rock. Join us as we sing the Black national anthem and learn more about the history of Juneteenth. All are welcome!
We asked our community: What does Juneteenth mean to you?
“Juneteenth is more important than ever as a day to remember the horrific impact of enslavement and celebrate the achievements of African-Americans despite the violence and cruelty inflicted on people who built America’s economy and symbolic structures. This day commemorates when the state of Texas proclaimed the federal emancipation of enslaved people, becoming the last state in the union to do so. It is a symbolic Emancipation Day for African-Americans that speaks to our resiliency as a people and reminds all Americans how freedom and justice are still unequal for Black Americans and continue to be denied through the structural and institutional racism in our society.”
— Michele Hancock,Professor of Practice in Education;Director, Urban Teacher Preparation Program;Director, ACT Program
“Juneteenth is the symbolism of freedom for Blacks in America. Though most Black Americans celebrate Independence Day on the 4th of July, nowadays, we were not yet truly free until nearly 90 years later. The true independence day for Blacks is not the 4th of July, but instead June 19, 1865. I say it is symbolic because not all slaves were free on June 19, 1865, and Black Americans are still fighting to enjoy the same freedoms afforded to all Americans.”
— Siovahn Williams, Assistant Professor, Education;Program Manager, Urban Teacher Preparation Program
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Resources
We live and work in a richly diverse world. At Carthage, we strive to enhance the diversity and equity of our community and together to create an ever more enlightened and inclusive environment that will positively impact the world. The Carthage community is committed to fostering integrity, civility, and justice. Aiming to learn from each other, we reject all forms of prejudice and discrimination toward underrepresented groups.
Learn more about Equity and Inclusion at Carthage
ON-CAMPUS RESOURCES
- Engagement and Inclusion Center
- Black Student Union — student organization
- United Women of Color — student organization
- Equity and Inclusion Resources
- Bias Education Response Team
OFF-CAMPUS RESOURCES
- Juneteenth.com
- Black Lives Matter
- National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI)
- Diverse and Resilient
- Black Health Coalition of Wisconsin
- Kenosha Coalition for Dismantling Racism
- Leaders of Kenosha
Learn more about Juneteenth
The History of Juneteenth
Articles
- “Black History Is American History: How Juneteenth Highlights the Necessity of Critical Race Theory and Anti-Racist Teaching”
- “Juneteenth, Black Lives, and Structural Discrimination”
- “Biden signs Juneteenth bill, creating new federal holiday commemorating end of slavery in U.S.”
- “9 Things to Know About the History of Juneteenth”
- “Slavery Didn’t End On Juneteenth. What You Should Know About This Important Day”
- “States that do and do not celebrate Juneteenth”
Movies
- “Miss Juneteenth” — Learn more on IMDB
- “13th” — Learn more on IMDB
- “I Am Not Your Negro” — Learn more on IMDB
- “Selma” — Learn more on IMDB
- 9 Movies, Shows, and Books About Juneteenth That Showcase the Holiday’s Importance
- 17 Documentaries, Movies and Specials To Watch For Juneteenth
- 10 Shows and Movies to Watch to Celebrate Juneteenth
Podcasts & Videos
- Juneteenth Conversations podcast
- Everyday Black History podcast
- “Juneteenth: The story behind the 155-year-old holiday that commemorates the end of slavery” — YouTube
- “Juneteenth: Freedom At Last” — YouTube
- “What is Juneteenth?” — YouTube
- “The Importance of Juneteenth” — YouTube
- “Why All Americans Should Honor Juneteenth” — YouTube
- “Juneteenth Explained” — YouTube
- “Juneteenth becomes a national holiday” — YouTube
- “How to Celebrate Juneteenth” — YouTube