News

June 17, 2022

Juneteenth Observance

Juneteenth Observance

Often referred to as "Black Emancipation Day" and celebrated as "Juneteenth," June 19, 1865, is the day when the news of freedom from slavery finally reached the state of Texas, nearly two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863. Rooted in B.T. Roberts' unfailing commitment to the abolition of slavery, Roberts Wesleyan College and Northeastern Seminary is initiating a time of reflection and learning on the Black American experience.

This year, the Offices of Diversity and Belonging & International Engagement are providing students an opportunity to learn about the experience of those who have contributed to our society despite years of systemic oppression. Students will be going to the George Eastman House to see the photography exhibit from Joshua Rashaad McFadden, I Believe I'll Run On, as well as a short film, The Throwaways, which documents struggles to bring positive changes to a Black American community.

What's happening around Rochester for Juneteenth:

  • June 18, 10 - 12:30 pm, ROC Freedom Riders Annual Juneteenth Bike Ride ROC Freedom Riders Annual Juneteenth Bike Ride | Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Park at Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY | June 18, 2022 (happeningnext.com)
  • June 18, 10 - 4:00 pm, Honoring Juneteenth, Genesee Country Museum Honoring Juneteenth | Genesee Country Village & Museum (gcv.org)
  • June 18, 11 - 3:00 pm, The Strong Museum of Play Juneteenth Celebration (Museum Admission Free All Day) Juneteenth Celebration - The Strong National Museum of Play
  • June 18, 11 – 7:00 pm, Rochester’s Official Juneteenth A Freedom Celebration, MLK Park and Strong Museum "Everybody Can Be Great...Because Anybody Can Serve!" -Martin Luther King Jr. (canva.com)
  • June 18, 1:00 pm, Juneteenth 5k, Rochester ROC Juneteenth 5K Run/Walk in Rochester, NY - Details, Registration, and Results | ITS YOUR RACE
  • June 19, 10 - 5:00 pm, Free Community Day, Juneteenth, George Eastman Museum https://www.eastman.org/event/free-all-special-events-family-events/free-community-day-juneteenth
  • June 19, 11 - 12:00 pm - Pittsford Celebrates Juneteenth with a Walking Tour at Pittsford Community Library Home | Pittsford Community Celebrates Juneteenth (pittsfordjuneteenth.com)
  • June 19, 12 pm, E.R.A.S.E 3rd Annual Juneteenth Event, Irondequoit Town Hall Gazebo https://erasenoworg.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/275121005_5541120425902949_4897360680546561590_n-1.jpeg
  • June 20, 11:30 – 2 pm, Juneteenth Celebration at City Hall City of Rochester | Juneteenth Block Party at City Hall
  • June 20, 2022, Juneteenth Official Federal Holiday (View the White House Proclamation of 2021)