The University of Alaska Anchorage invites the Anchorage community to join in its celebration of one of America’s most significant events, Juneteenth, on June 15, 2004. Juneteenth commemorates the freeing of the last slaves in America.

More than two-and-a-half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, the Union Army rode into Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, and issued General Order Number Three.

With this act more than 800,000 African-Americans in Texas, were freed. The jubilant celebrations that erupted became known as Juneteenth.

On January 1, 1980, as a result of the efforts of Al Edwards, an African American state legislator, Juneteenth became an official Texas state holiday. The successful passage of this bill marked Juneteenth as the first emancipation celebration granted official state recognition.

 Representative Edwards has since actively sought to spread the celebration of Juneteenth across America. Juneteenth remains a time for reflection and rejoicing.

 The festivities at UAA will include an array of activities for everyone will enjoy, such as gospel singing, poetry readings and eating great soul food. Contact: Beth Smart,