Honor Juneteenth, LTJ Anniversary with UK, CHS

By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

It was called “Freedom Eve.”

On the night before Jan. 1, 1863, “enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes all across the country awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect,” the National Museum of African American History and Culture reports.

At the stroke of midnight, all enslaved people in Confederate States were declared legally free.

However, the Emancipation Proclamation could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. This meant some slaves had a while to wait.

“As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later,” according to Smithsonian.com. “Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The Army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as Juneteenth (an abbreviation for June 19th), by the newly freed people in Texas.”

And in 2021, the June 19th date officially became a federal holiday.

This week, UK and the city of Lexington have planned several ways to celebrate.

The University of Kentucky Center for Graduate and Professional Diversity Initiatives (CGPDI), in collaboration with the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, is proud to announce a special celebration of Juneteenth. Taking place 4-9 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, the event will include vibrant cultural expressions, marking the importance of Juneteenth as a significant moment in history.

“We are honored to celebrate Juneteenth with our community and to provide a platform that highlights the cultural richness and historical significance of this day,” said John Blaine, director of CGPDI. “This event is an opportunity for all of us to come together, reflect on our history and look forward to a future grounded in freedom.”

The historical legacy of Juneteenth shows the value of never giving up hope in uncertain times. The University believes showcasing and celebrating Black culture and liberation is important in remembering the past, celebrating the present and inspiring hope for the future. 

Tukea Talbert, Chief Diversity Officer at UK HealthCare, said it’s important to remember Juneteenth because it marks the end of an era of a type of systemic racism that was “catastrophic and dehumanizing with longstanding impacts.”

“Recognition of Juneteenth is intentionally creating space to commemorate total Black freedom from the institution of slavery,” Talbert said. “It brings to the forefront an unpleasant and dark time in history, yet highlights the strength, faith, resilience and solidarity of the Black Community. Events scheduled throughout the month of June in honor of the holiday promote solidarity, advocacy, and celebration of this total freedom. While it reminds us of the past, it also demonstrates the hope of a better future that continues to evolve. We must continue to act boldly, swiftly, and persistently for equity, social justice and inclusive excellence.”  

The UK Juneteenth event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 4 p.m. with a vendor fair. Live performances kick off at 7 p.m., promising an unforgettable experience for all. 

Event highlights include:

• Jazz and gospel performances: Experience soulful melodies and powerful voices celebrating the spirit of freedom.
• African dance and drumming: Enjoy dynamic performances showcasing the vibrant traditions and rhythms of African culture.
• Stepping: Witness the energetic and expressive art of stepping, a dance form with deep roots in African American history.
• Cultural vendors: Explore a variety of booths offering unique cultural products and crafts.

For more information on the event, visit historiclyrictheatre.com/event/juneteenth-freedom-day/ or contact cora@lexingtonlyric.com.

Regional Events:

Juneteenth Jubilee
Presented by African Cemetery No. 2
African Cemetery No. 2, 419 East Seventh St.
Saturday, June 15, 2024 | 7 – 8:30 p.m.

The 19th annual celebration highlights the spirit of freedom and honors the Civil War soldiers who fought for that freedom.  

Soulteenth Fest
Presented by SoulFeast Week
Moondance Amphitheater, 1152 Monarch St. 
Saturday, June 15, 2024 | noon – 6 p.m.

Celebrate black liberation and ingenuity through music, art, agriculture and food.

Juneteenth Freedom Day
Presented by Wise Guys Barbershop & Georgetown St. Neighborhood Area Association
Douglass Park, 726 Georgetown St.
Sunday, June 16, 2024 | 2 – 8 p.m.

A community celebration to bring awareness to culture, history, equality, and peace to the neighborhood through food, music and kid's activities. 

“A Sense of Place”
Cadentown Missionary Baptist Church, 2950 Cadentown Road
Wednesday, June 19 | 11 a.m.

Juneteenth celebration in a historic Black hamlet.

Juneteenth Independence Day Celebration
Presented by the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center 
Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center, 300 East Third St. 
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 | Doors open at 6 p.m.

Celebrating African American independence and artistic expression through live performances ranging from jazz, hip-hop, line dancing, spoken word and opera.

Juneteenth Celebration
Presented by Kentucky U.S. Freedmen Coalition
Charles Young Park, 215 Midland Ave. 
Saturday, June 22, 2024 | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Entertainment, food, information booths, vendors, and community fellowship celebrating black American liberation.

75th Anniversary of Integration at UK

This year also marks the 75th anniversary of Lyman T. Johnson’s historic legal triumph against the University of Kentucky, a milestone that marked him as the first Black student to integrate the University.

A lifelong champion of education and its transformative potential, Johnson was an advocate for equality in both education and broader society, drawing inspiration from his experiences as both a student and a teacher.

Johnson’s lawsuit against UK proved successful, leading to his enrollment as a graduate student in the summer of 1949. While he did not complete his degree at UK, the enduring legacy he leaves behind echoes the principles he instilled in his students — the ongoing pursuit of equity and justice, and an emphasis on the role of education and independent thinking to help people navigate the path toward progress.

This year, as the University celebrates this anniversary, the College of Health Sciences will, too.

Each month, CHS will explore another story that honors Johnson’s legacy, from trailblazers who led the way in healthcare to those who personally benefited from his accomplishments.

Look for the CHS stories on the college’s website and social media.