Auburn recognizes and celebrates Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a day for Americans to reflect on our nation’s horrific stain of slavery and continued progress toward a more just society for all. Auburn observes Juneteenth and invites you to join us in taking this day to learn and engage.

Juneteenth (June 19) acknowledges the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce that all enslaved people be freed. This historic event occurred two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and is now the nation’s oldest known tradition honoring the end of slavery and commemorating Black freedom.

First celebrated in 1866, Texas in 1980 became the first state to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday. The City of Auburn last year recognized Juneteenth with a proclamation. For more information on Auburn’s commitment to DEI and other notes of recognition, please visit the Office of Inclusion and Diversity through its website, on Instagram or by signing up for the OID newsletter.