Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of ending slavery in the United States. It originated in on June 19th, 1865 in Galveston, Texas when the last enslaved people in the United States found out that they were no longer slaves. on June 19th, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX with news that the Civil War had ended and that those enslaved were now free. This was two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation; which had become official on January 1, 1863. Today, celebrations include Rodeos, fishing, barbecuing, parades, picnics, parties, and concerts, which attract millions of participants around the world. Juneteenth is a time of celebrating Black joy, Black beauty, the Black community, and most importantly all that Black people bring to the world.
This year, the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Office encourages members of the Clarkson community to join in Juneteenth Celebrations throughout our region to commemorate the events that started the Juneteenth celebrations! Please join us as we recognize and celebrate Black individuals’ impact on our history – locally, nationally, and internationally.
The events are as follows:
- 3rd Annual Potsdam Juneteenth Celebration: Saturday, June 18th at Ives Park in Potsdam, NY
- 9th Annual Watertown Juneteenth Celebration: Saturday, June 18th in Watertown, NY
- 22nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration: Friday, June 17th to Saturday, June 18th in Schenectady, NY
- Juneteenth 2022 Freedom Festival: Saturday, June 18th in Albany, NY
- 13th Annual Juneteenth NYC Festival: Friday, June 17th to Sunday, June 19th in New York City, NY