Juneteenth 2024
Juneteenth, also known as “Emancipation Day” or the “Day of Freedom,” is both the somber and celebratory day to commemorate the Thirteenth Amendment abolishing slavery. Utah State University is commemorating Juneteenth weeklong with virtual and in-person events from June 16–20, featuring educational panels and presentations on early and current activism and its importance, culminating in a Juneteenth Musical Celebration.
Sunday, June 16th | Juneteenth Kickoff | Educate
- 8 am: 1-mile Fun Run
- 8:30 - 11 am: 5k Run
Race Fees:
Early Bird Special: $20 for ages 18 and higher, $15 for ages 8 - 17, ages 7 and under are Free.
Post Early Bird: $30 for ages 18 and higher, $25 for ages 8 - 17, ages 7 and under are Free.
Group Discount for 4 or more is 10% off.
Registration Information: Early Bird Special ends Friday, May 31 at 11:59pm. Post Early Bird fee, Saturday, June 1 - Wednesday, June 19 (Race Day).
Packet Pick Up:
- TBA
Join the USU Alumni Band as they return to the Quad to kick off their summer concert series on Sunday, June 16th. The performance will feature music highlighting the contributions of black composers over the past 100 years as well as a special performance by Brandon Foxworth from USU's own Lyric Repertory Company.
June 18, 2024 - June 30, 2025
This exhibition is co-curated by Michael Duncan, art historian, writer, and critic, and Bolton Colburn, the NEHMA curator of collections and exhibitions. The publication accompanying the exhibition with essays by Michael Duncan is published by the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art, Utah State University, Logan, Utah.
Wednesday, June 19th | Celebrate
Come together in unity and solidarity at the annual Juneteenth Community BBQ, catered by 5-Star BBQ. Enjoy games and activities for families and children of all ages. This event is free and open to the public.
Food served at 6 pm (FREE)
Thursday, June 20th | Activate
A Rhyming and Graffiti Interactive Workshop with actor and artist Herb Newsome and Brandon Foxworth. An in depth, practical look at two of the four fundamental elements of Hip Hop: Graffiti and MCing. Half Art Class/ Half Music Creation, the workshop will give the participants a chance to learn about the art form, as well as put their own hands to use in a practical creative environment. Be ready to immerse yourself in the world of Hip Hop and let your inner artist come alive. This event is free and open to the public.
Ever since its inception in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1866 — one year after enslaved African Americans in the state learned of their freedom due to the Emancipation Proclamation and Thirteenth Amendment — Juneteenth celebrations tend to focus on education and reflection on the path to freedom and the steps still needed to achieve equity.
Though long celebrated in Black communities, the holiday is only recently gaining more widespread acknowledgment. As we celebrate with cookouts and other gatherings, it’s important to remember the need for self-reflection and education on the path of acknowledging and healing from the past. Register for USU’s events, share your story, and explore the Juneteenth speaker and video archives.