University of Arizona

Students, faculty, staff, and the public are now welcome to visit Special Collections without an appointment from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

Juneteenth past, present & beyond

Juneteenth past, present & beyond

Jun 19, 2023

Juneteenth and the Emancipation Proclamation are important markers in the history of civil rights and racial justice.

June 19 (Juneteenth) is a federally recognized holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Juneteenth has been celebrated in the United States, and in Canada, Jamaica, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and other countries around the world.

2023 celebration

On Monday, June 19, the University of Arizona Beyond Juneteenth Committee hosted "Beyond Legacy: The Next Generation of Justice & Action" to recognize the history, achievements, and contributions of African Americans. Guest speakers were Rev. Dr. Bernice King, strategist, peace advocate, and daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King, and Professor Ilyasah Shabazz, award winning author, educator, and daughter of Malcom X and Dr. Betty Shabazz.

Related news: The daughters of MLK and Malcolm X to speak at Centennial Hall on Juneteenth (6/8/23)

Historical images

Browse our online archives to see historical images such as the (above) American Negro Emancipation Centennial Authority's 100th anniversary celebration of Emancipation, held in Chicago, at which many contributions of Black Americans in arts, science, government, and industry were showcased (1963). Ada Peirce McCormick papers [MS 326, Box 6, Folder 5]

Black History in the Borderlands

Created by Special Collections Graduate Assistant, Zöe Harrison, our "LibGuide" (information sharing tool) highlights an often-overlooked history, and raises awareness about the many contributions Black individuals have made in the Borderlands region, from Baja, California, to Tamaulipas, Mexico. See LibGuide.

University of Arizona Press book recommendations

Our colleagues have hand-selected several books to spotlight Black American authors in honor of Juneteenth. See recommendations.

More info, resources

Land Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Tucson being home to the O’odham and the Yaqui. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.