North Central College Commemorates Juneteenth

Juneteenth Resources BLM Resources DEI Efforts

Juneteenth is a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States

Background Information

Juneteenth, or June 19, is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. On that date in 1865, Union General Gordon Granger led federal troops to Galveston, Texas, to announce that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Though not recognized as a federal holiday, Juneteenth should be considered our nation’s second Independence Day. The day has long been celebrated among the country’s Black community, though it is a history that has been marginalized and remains largely unknown to the broader public. The legacy of Juneteenth shows the power of deep hope and urgent organizing during uncertain times, not unlike the times we are experiencing today.

Juneteenth Resources

We recognize that many among our community may be unfamiliar with Juneteenth and its significance to our nation's history and among the Black community. In this moment of profound change and in the spirit of the Black Lives Matter movement, we encourage you to learn more by visiting the Juneteenth page on the Oesterle Library Black Lives Matter Lib Guide. For further learning, you can read this piece by Henry Louis Gates Jr and also find additional resources here at the Library.

Learn More

The Office of Multicultural Affairs encourages community members to spend the day learning more about the effects of slavery and racism in America, and supporting Black-owned businesses. Karl Constant and Dorothy Pleas from the Office of Multicultural Affairs have curated a list of events for learning and celebration at home or in the local area. Events listed are on June 19th except where indicated.

Virtual Events:

Illinois Holocaust Museum - Virtual Tulsa Race Massacre Panel Discussion (Thursday, June 17)
Alvin Ailey Extension - West African Dance Class
Oldtown School of Folk Music - Livestream of The Original Chicago Blues All-Stars Revue
Morton Grove Public Library - Juneteenth Informational Session

In-Person Events:

DuSable Museum of African-American History, Chicago - Juneteenth Museum Reopening
Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago - Black Creativity Family Day
National A. Phillip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum, Chicago - Citywide Caravan Parade & Festival.
Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest - Children’s Story Trail and Craft: Juneteenth (June 12-19)
Skokie Park District - Juneteenth events
Malcolm X College, Chicago - Dr. Charles R. Drew Blood Drive
MLK Park, Aurora - Juneteenth Unity Car Parade

While you’re celebrating Juneteenth, keep in mind safety precautions to keep you and your family safe.

Special thanks to Dorothy Pleas and Karl Constant for their contributions to the above content.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at North Central College

You’ll see our beliefs in action through everyday conversations and interactions both in class and around campus. We also offer a range of programs and resources that celebrate diversity, foster understanding and expand cultural experiences; for more information about them, please visit the Office of Multicultural Affairs.