Juneteenth (short for “June nineteenth” and also known as Freedom Day) commemorates the date of June 19, 1865, when federal troops entered Galveston, Texas, to ensure all enslaved people there were freed. The Emancipation Proclamation, which freed enslaved people in the U.S. following the Civil War, was signed more than two years before.

Juneteenth, made a federal holiday in 2021, is celebrated on June 19 each year with food, music, dancing, marches, and family and religious gatherings. Read more or watch a video.

The Penn State Health Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Multicultural Business Employee Resource Groups present Penn State Health hybrid commemoration for Juneteenth, on Monday, June 19 from 4 to 5 p.m at the University Conference Center. This event is open to the Penn State Health workforce, College of Medicine employees and students and community members!

This is event will feature a discussion on the history and current implications of Juneteenth in American history and the deterrents in getting equity and social mobility with invited speakers Sarah Williams, Law Professor at PennState Dickinson and Joyce Davis, President and CEO of the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg.

Venue: University Conference Center, 30 Conference Drive, Hershey PA 17033 ( light refreshments will be provided, please arrive by 3:45pm if attending in person).

Register here

This event is open to the Penn State Health workforce, College of Medicine employees and students and community members!

If you have any questions or require accommodation for a disability to participate, please email diversity@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.

Penn State Health  will also join the Young Professionals of Color of Greater Harrisburg to celebrate Juneteenth through a variety of events from June 10 to 19. All Juneteenth activities are open to the public. Visit  Juneteenth events hosted by the Young Professionals of Color of Harrisburg – Penn State Health News