Reflection and celebration in store for Juneteenth at TWU

Jun 8, 2021 — DENTON — On the heels of an atypical year, Juneteenth at Texas Woman’s provides an opportunity for the university community to reflect on the past and refocus on the future. 

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. The holiday traces its roots to June 19, 1865, when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and issued General Order Number 3, which transmitted the news that all enslaved people were free--more than two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. 

First celebrated as “Emancipation Day” in Galveston in 1866, early celebrations often included picnics, parades, prayer, singing and readings of the proclamation. This year’s programming at Texas Woman’s, hosted by Diversity, Inclusion and Outreach, includes both a virtual and in-person option that honor the traditions of those early celebrations.

Co-hosted by the Office of Alumni Engagement, “A Historical Exploration of Juneteenth” on Tuesday, June 15, 6-7:30 p.m., virtually welcomes Dallas historian and genealogy expert Donald Payton who will discuss the end of slavery in the United Stated and its effects on the nation.

Then on Thursday, June 17, 1-3 p.m., the Juneteenth Celebration on the Hubbard Hall lawn (or the SUHH southeast ballroom in the event of rain) will offer a fun, creative opportunity to commemorate the holiday and Black/African American history with music, art and crafting centering on Black culture. 

“At TWU, we are committed to recognizing and honoring the diversity of our community and striving for inclusivity for all,” said Ebony Pope, assistant director of Diversity and Inclusion. “We hope these events engender the dual educational and celebratory spirit of Juneteenth for our TWU community,” 

Additionally, Chancellor Feyten announced on Wednesday, June 9, that TWU would close on June 18 for the holiday and that in the future, the closure for Juneteenth will be a part of the university's published holiday calendar.

Texas Woman’s has long been focused on creating an inclusive, welcoming campus environment. According to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 “Best Colleges” rankings, TWU has one of the most ethnically diverse student bodies in the nation and is ranked No. 1 in Texas for diversity.

 

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Page last updated 1:03 PM, June 10, 2021