Dear Students and Colleagues, 

Juneteenth is a time for us to commemorate the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom. Observed annually on June 19, the tradition has grown and is now a national holiday that provides us with opportunities to deepen our understanding of our shared history and to celebrate Black history, arts and culture.  

As we prepare for America’s 250th anniversary this summer, Juneteenth also offers an important opportunity to recognize the many voices and experiences that have shaped our country’s story.  

This year, Temple is proud to partner with the Philadelphia Museum of Art for its Juneteenth Celebration featuring live music and artist talks. Selected works from Temple’s Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection related to the Underground Railroad, Civil War, Emancipation and Reconstruction will be on display at the event. Our Blockson Collection is one of the most significant collections of African American artifacts in the U.S. as it houses more than 700,000 items from 1581 to the present related to the global Black experience. You can learn more about this community event here. 

IDEAL will also host a virtual Juneteenth Freedom Café community dialogue event at noon on Friday, June 19. Inspired by the PBS documentary Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom, this interactive session will explore the themes of liberation, faith and the pursuit of justice. Sign up here to receive the Zoom link.  

Additionally, on Saturday, June 20, the Temple University Black Alumni Alliance and IDEAL will partner to host its annual Family Field Day Celebration. More information on the event can be found here. 

As we commemorate Juneteenth, we deepen our understanding of our shared history and reflect on the lasting impact of this significant day. 

Sincerely,

John Fry 
President