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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. This holiday is recognized by the State of California and as a result, campus is closed for Juneteenth.
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 became official on January 1, 1863.
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.
Sac State 2026 Juneteenth Celebration
Please join us for this year's Juneteenth Celebration at Sac State! We are pleased to invite all campus and community members to this family friendly event. Attendees will be able to enjoy music from a live DJ and an array of food trucks, performances, games and activities, campus and community resources, and local vendors!
There will also be opportunity to enter in a raffle to win a Bumpboxx Flare8 Pro! We look forward to being in community with you all for our Juneteenth Celebration!
Event Details:
Date: June 11, 2026
Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Main Quad
Symposium Watch Party: 10:00am - 12:00pm
More information to come!
Juneteenth 2026 CSU Systemwide Symposium
The California State University Juneteenth Symposium, hosted by Cal State LA, brings together the CSU community to reflect, engage, and advance the ongoing pursuit of freedom and equity, recognizing that Black history is, and has always been, American history.
Guided by the theme Pathways to Progress: Legacy, Learning, and Leadership, the symposium bridges history with action, honoring the past while challenging us to shape a more just future. This dynamic, systemwide gathering unites voices from across CSU campuses to celebrate the central role of Black history in our shared national story, elevate student success, and inspire the next generation of leaders.
Grounded in reflection, learning, and collective action, the symposium creates a meaningful space for dialogue, connection, and a shared commitment to equity across the CSU.
Sac State will be hosting a watch party during our Juneteenth celebration on campus. Watch party attendees do not need to register for the event.
Event Details:
Date: June 11, 2026
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Event Registration: This event is virtual and interested parties must register to recieve access to the livestream link. Please use the registration form linked below to attend this year's symposium. There will also be a watch party hosted at Sac State's Juneteenth Celebration which does not require registration.
Resources
Ubuntu Belonging Map
We invite you to check out our new Ubuntu Sacramento State and Sacramento Region Belonging Maps!
The Sacramento State map connects students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members with resources located on campus such as cultural centers, organizations, health services, support services, and much more. The Sacramento Regional map connects all users to locally Black-owned businesses, restaurants, religious sites, cultural/community organizations, hair salons or barber shops, clothing stores, and many other services within the region.
Click the images below to explore the Ubuntu Belonging Maps:
