Planned Events
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery across the United States. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th also known in African American communities as “Emancipation Day”, “Jubilee Day”, “Freedom Day”, is a pivotal moment in history. UC San Diego will explore what the Juneteenth holiday means for Americans, celebrate Black excellence, and center ways in which all communities can observe, reflect, and educate in commemoration. We are thrilled to invite you to these special events in celebration of our rich Black culture and history!
Event Archives | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
UC San Diego Black Staff Association | UC San Diego Heritage Celebrations |
Juneteenth Celebration & Black Excellence Awards
- Tuesday, June 17, 2025
- Great Hall
- 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. [Doors Open 1:30 p.m.]
"Juneteenth: Celebrating African-American freedom, families, heritage and becoming the ancestors DREAM!" - Unknown
Juneteenth Reading List | Source: The National Museum of African American History and Culture
Juneteenth Celebratory Display
Celebrate Juneteenth at UC San Diego Library!
Explore our Juneteenth Celebratory Display honoring the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrating Black culture and history.
Come for a visit to see Why Juneteenth Matters," and "What to Expect!"
June 1–30, 2025
UC San Diego Library
Let’s come together as a campus community to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire a more just future.
#Juneteenth #FreedomDay #UCSDLibrary #CelebrateBlackHistory
"Origin" Film Discussion
Hosted by: Department of Psychiatry - Recruiting, Retaining, and Elevating Diverse Individuals in [RREDI] group
This Juneteenth, we invite you to take time to reflect, learn, and celebrate the ongoing journey of Black freedom and resilience.
Let’s Reflect Together
Join us for a virtual discussion of Origin, a compelling film that explores identity, history, and humanity through a transformative lens.
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (PDT)
Zoom Link: https://uchealth.zoom.us/j/83372275234
This will be an informal space for colleagues in the community to share thoughts, questions, or reactions. Whether you’ve seen the film before or are watching it for the first time, we welcome your voice.
Let Juneteenth be a time not only of remembrance, but of dialogue, action, and unity.
5th Annual Juneteenth BBQ
Celebrate Juneteenth with Community, Education, and Ocean Vibes!
We’re excited to share the 5th Annual Juneteenth BBQ hosted by Paddle for Peace, proudly co-sponsored by Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Birch Aquarium.
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: La Jolla Shores Beach
Activities include:
- 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Birch Aquarium will offer interactive educational experiences featuring shark eggs, a shark jaw, and more.
- 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Scripps Oceanography will highlight its partnerships with Black Like Water and Black Surf Week, celebrating Black joy, healing, and connection to the ocean.
Join us for a day of celebration, learning, and community at the beach! Sponsorship details will be updated on the event site later this week.
Juneteenth Songs of Celebration: Carillon Concert
Join us for the Carillon Concert at Geisel Library. Enjoy a live rooftop performance of jazz, pop, and anthemic tunes honoring freedom, resilience, and joy. Submit your song requests and be part of the celebration! The best listening spots are Library Walk past the Silent Tree or at the bottom of the Snake Path. Free and open to all. Let’s honor this pivotal moment in history together!
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