For a better experience, click the Compatibility Mode icon above to turn off Compatibility Mode, which is only for viewing older websites.

Join Us in Celebrating Juneteenth

Juneteenth

June 17, 2022

On Monday, June 20th, Drexel University will observe Juneteenth (officially June 19th). Each year, Juneteenth commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States. Although President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, it wasn't until June 19, 1865 that those enslaved in confederate states were truly freed by executive decree and military support to enforce the decree. The practice of slavery in this form would continue in some states, such as Delaware and Kentucky until December of 1865. This is a reminder that we must support our words with action. We recognize the significant impact of Black people on our society and invite you to celebrate in the Juneteenth holiday. 


Join us in celebrating this historic milestone for Black history on Wednesday, June 22nd 4 to 7 p.m. at the Juneteenth Block Party at Rush Alumni Garden and Lancaster Walk, hosted by the Center for Black Culture (CBC), Black Employees at Drexel (BEAD), Student Center for Diversity and Inclusion (SCDI), Center for Inclusive Education and Scholarship (CIES), LeBow BRIDGE, Office of Equality and Diversity (OED) and Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships. RSVP here.


Additional opportunities:

  •  The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is offering free admission to commemorate Juneteenth on Saturday, June 18th. 

  • On Sunday, the African American Museum of Philadelphia hosts their Juneteenth Block Party: Celebrating the Legacy of Emancipation, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with live performances, food and drink, yard games, a village marketplace, mural making, community resources and free admission to the museum all day courtesy of Wawa. 

  • Be sure to check out the Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade and Festival, the largest annual celebration of Juneteenth in the nation. 

  • Last year, the Office of Equality and Diversity hosted a "Frank Conversation in Commemoration of Juneteenth," a recording of which you can view on the OED Media Library. 


As a reminder the University will be closed on Monday, June 20th in observance of Juneteenth and summer quarter class will begin on Tuesday, June 21st.