Engage in African American History: United In Hope
Juneteenth commemorates Freedom Day when on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, Union Army General Gordon Granger read aloud the contents of "General Order No. 3", announcing the total emancipation of those held as slaves in states then in rebellion against the United States. This was almost two and a half years following the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln. Also called Jubilee Day, African Americans call this day Juneteenth.
Forty-seven of the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia have recognized Juneteenth as either a state holiday or ceremonial holiday, a day of observance.
In 2016, Utah legislators passed HB338, Juneteenth Freedom Day, recognizing the third Saturday in the month of June as an annual state commemorative holiday. Rep. Sandra Hollins served as the bill’s chief sponsor. Governor Gary Herbert signed the bill into law.
June 1-30, 2020 Events
Utah’s Juneteenth celebration goes virtual this year
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic most Juneteenth celebration events will be conducted virtually this year. The only exceptions are a flag-raising ceremony — complete with social distancing — and a caravan through Ogden in which most participants will be riding in cars.
(You may walk the route while observing social distancing.)
BOSS: The Black Experience in Business
June 16
6:30 p.m. Discussion
7:30 p.m. Film
Live Stream - Utah Film Center
This film by Peabody & Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, Stanley Nelson seeks to “illuminate, educate and inform by examining over 150 years of African American men and women – from those bound by bondage to moguls at the top of multi-million dollar empires”. We will also hear from local business owners, the Utah Black Chamber, and other business voices.
Flag Raising Ceremony
June 19 / 11:30 a.m.
Salt Lake County Building
Juneteenth Day! The State of Black Utah Town Hall
June 19 / 6 p.m.
Virtual Event
Join Zoom Meeting
Facebook Event
“Mind, Body & Spirit: Black Mental Health In the Midst of Crisis" The evening begins with the presentation of our Mr. & Miss Juneteenth followed by a thoughtful conversation to give voice to our youth, young adults and emerging leaders on how they are coping with racism and injustices, for them to share what they want for their future and to obtain tools and resources to support their agenda.
Flag Raising Ceremony
June 1 / Noon
Salt Lake City Corporation
The event will include a brief overview of Juneteenth and its significance in American history and civil rights, prayer for healing and reconciliation, honoring Blacks in the military, and the Utah Holiday.
Lunch & Learn – Black Business Development
June 12 / Noon to 1 p.m.
Virtual Event
Join Zoom Meeting
Zoom ID: 545-542-1144, Passcode: 150306
This Virtual presentation will be presented by members of the Utah Black Chamber of Commerce and the Utah Black Roundtable as we launch our newly created “Juneteenth Entrepreneur Challenge”
Our Town, Our Story: Genealogy & Storytelling
June 15 / 7 p.m.
Webinar
Join Zoom Meeting
Zoom Meeting ID: 916 470 8362
Interactive webinar with Utah Afro-American Historical & Genealogy Society – UAAHGS and Nubian Storytellers of Utah Leadership –NSOUL helping us document and share our Family History & Stories
Juneteenth Commemorative Caravan
June 20 / 11 a.m.
10 a.m. lineup at Marshall White Center
Help honor Juneteenth Holiday with a ride through historic Ogden as we share messages of Freedom, Hope, Healing, & Unity.
10:00 a.m. Line up at the historic Marshall White Community Center, 222 28th Street, Ogden, and travel to Wall Avenue past the historic Union Station and onto historic 25th Street and on Washington Blvd. back to the historic Marshall White Center. Ride your cars, trucks, motorcycles, or walk in our 1 st Juneteenth Caravan.
JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL & HOLIDAY
June 20 / 2 to 6 p.m.
Virtual Event: Check back soon for link
Tune in to Facebook, Instagram, Zoom for our live broadcast of performers including hip hop, R&B, spoken word, dance, drumming, jazz & Gospel!
Juneteenth Gospel Sunday & Father’s Day Tribute
June 21 / 2 to 6 p.m.
Virtual Event: Check back soon for link
Tune in to Facebook, Instagram, Zoom for our Juneteenth Gospel Sunday featuring Minister John Bratton, writer of the Gospel Song of Year, “Every Praise Is To Our God”, local choirs, and
more!