Juneteenth

Juneteenth is an American holiday celebrated on June 19. It memorializes June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger read orders in Galveston, Texas, that all previously enslaved people in Texas were free. After the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on January 1st, 1863, and put into motion, many enslaved African Americans were notified of their freedom. However, enslaved people who were in Texas did not get notification until 2.5 years after the proclamation, which is why we celebrate this day as the ending of chattel slavery.

First Annual Juneteenth Celebration

Monday, June 19, 2023 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm - Romney Oval

Fun-filled family friendly festival featuring powerful speakers, joyful music, and delectable dishes rich with history. Come join us in celebrating black excellence and honoring American history. All ages welcome for educational activities, games and more.

This event is hosted by the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, the Diversity & Inclusion Student Commons, and ASMSU.

Music

Live Jazz from 5-6pm featuring local artists

Justus Entertainment DJ from 6-7pm

Speeches

MSU students and staff

Local business owners

Games

Corn hole

Giant Jenga

Montana State University’s Juneteenth Cookout & Celebration Guide

Juneteenth is an American holiday celebrated on June 19. It memorializes June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger read orders in Galveston, Texas, that all previously enslaved people in Texas were free. After the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on January 1st, 1863, and put into motion, many enslaved African Americans were notified of their freedom. However, enslaved people who were in Texas did not get notification until 2.5 years after the proclamation, which is why we celebrate this day as the ending of chattel slavery.

Celebrating on June 19th is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1. Cookout and eat together

Invite and gather with the people you would like to celebrate with on the 19th! Share some of this history
before eating. Having an open conversation about the history of Juneteenth honors the history and
significance of the day, and incorporate Black history throughout the year.

Planning your Cookout and Movie Night

Hype up your household! Get those around you excited to celebrate this history with you, and get them excited to learn more about why it is a holiday!
Find a screen! The most important consideration for choosing where to hold your cookout is your ability to comfortably watch and listen to a movie! This could be on a laptop, or could be on a TV or projector.
Make some food! There are a few recipe linked below to get you thinking about making some food to celebrate Juneteeth. There are many more foods to make, but these are a few ideas.

Recipes to make for your Cookout

2. Join Ms. Opal Lee’s Walk

Opal Lee is considered the “Grandmother of Juneteeth” for her leading efforts to get Juneteeth
recognized nationally. Ms. Opal Lee’s Walk is a 2.5 mile walk to represent the amount of time it took for
word to reach all enslaved people about the Emancipation Proclamation. Get outside and celebrate in
your own community.

3. Watch media that educates about Black History

There are various differnt ways to educate yourself and those around you about Juneteeth. There are
T.V. show episodes, books, and documentaries that you can watch to learn some of this history.