Juneteenth at Sac State

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 17th, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law establishing June 19th as a federal holiday to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States, which is now also a paid holiday for the CSU systemwide.

On June 19, 1865, as an aftereffect of the Civil War, Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. This news was received nearly two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation – which had become official January 1, 1863.

Image of the original written announcement to the district of Texas notifying the people that all slaves are free.

Emancipation Proclamation

President Abraham Lincoln, under political pressure, issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, as the nation approached its third year of bloody civil war. The proclamation declared "that all persons held as slaves" within the rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall be free."

The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.

How Sac State Celebrates Juneteenth

This will be the first year that Sac State celebrates Juneteenth as an entire campus. Tuesday, June 13, 2023 from 11:00 am-2:00 pm at the Main Quad. Juneteenth (June 19^th) is the celebration of the emancipation of Black people from the legalized system of enslavement that lasted from 1619-1863. There will be free food, games, education, and entertainment. It is our hope that our campus community will celebrate, eat lunch, and learn together.

The celebration continues, as we expand beyond campus to participate in Juneteenth Sacramento fesitivities as the anchor university in this region. We will be participating in the parade, tabling, and joining in on the all of the fun on Saturday, June 17, 2023. We encourage the entire Hornet community to celebrate, too!

Juneteenth 2023 Activities

DATE: Tuesday, June 13, 2023

TIME: 11:00 a,m. - 2:00 p.m.

Location: Sac State Main Quad

Get your ticket for free lunch & dessert from food trucks!

There will be music with DJ Jordan Moore, performances by the Grant High Drumline, and Miss Tee's Dance Troupe. Plus games, and much, much more...

What Can I Do to Celebrate Juneteenth?

Shop Black-owned businesses
Visit African American Museums
Register to vote and participate in voting opportunities
Volunteer to work at Juneteenth celebrations or other related events/activities
Take up a cause to advance education and advocacy for the Black community
Visit Sac State campus and introduce your children to the importance of college
Visit a library or bookstore and learn about Black history
Share stories or watch videos with your children about the emancipation proclamation, 13^th Amendment, and Black history.