Juneteenth, celebrated every year on June 19, commemorates freedom. Also known as Emancipation Day, Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of African Americans in Galveston Bay, Texas, on June 19, 1865, nearly two years after President Lincoln emancipated enslaved African Americans. At UHart, we acknowledge the significance of this day and the importance of education around the meaning and worth of Juneteenth.
“Juneteenth offers us the opportunity to reflect on the struggle to achieve freedom and equality. It will take the same passion and perseverance to continue to maintain equality and freedom.”
-Chris Grant, AVP of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging
As we continue to foster an inclusive environment at the University of Hartford, we encourage everyone to engage in programming both at the University and in our surrounding communities.
UHart Event:
Juneteenth Block Party, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 11AM to 2PM
GSU Lawn
Local Events:
Bloomfield:
Juneteenth: Shades of Brown Kickoff Party, Friday, June 20, 2025, 7PM
1021 Blue Hill Ave.
Juneteenth: Run and Walk 5K Race & Parade, Saturday, June 21, 2025, 8AM & 9AM
Community Center - Alvin & Beatrice Wood Human Services Center
330 Park Avenue
Food and Craft Festival, Sunday, June 22, 1PM to 5PM
Blue Hills Fire Department, 1021 Blue Hills Ave.
East Hartford:
Juneteenth Community Celebration, Saturday, June 14, 2025, 11AM to 4PM, Alumni Park
East Hartford Town Green, 1047 Main Street
Admission is free
Hartford:
Hartford African American Parade & Juneteenth Celebration, Saturday, June 14, 10AM to 3PM
Keney Park, 337 Vine Street
West Hartford:
Juneteenth Celebration, Saturday, June 14, 2026, 11AM to 4PM
West Hartford Town Hall lot
Educational Resources:
The Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging encourages our community to read the resources below to further our learning about Juneteenth.
Websites:
- Juneteenth| National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Learn About and Celebrate Juneteenth| PBS
Videos:
Books:
- Beloved by Toni Morrison
- The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass
- Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup
- The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Movies:
- How It Feels to Be Free| American Masters
- 13TH| Netflix
- Whose Streets?| Amazon Prime
Questions, comments, or suggestions? Jordan Brown, Inclusive Excellence and Belonging Coordinator (jorbrown@hartford.edu; 860.768.4932)