The holiday commemorates when, on June 19, 1865, enslaved African people in Galveston, Texas were informed that they had been granted freedom—more than two and a half years after the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Celebrated by African Americans since the late 1800s, the day represents a milestone victory for equality and freedom in the United States, and continues a celebration of hope, triumph, and resilience of all Black people in this nation.
We encourage our Cal alumni community, both in the Bay Area and around the world, to commemorate Juneteenth by amplifying the voices of our Black community members and honoring the legacies of Black people in our nation and in our Berkeley community.
For Black Alumni: Join an Alumni Chapter Community
Black Alumni Association (BAA)
The Black Alumni Association (BAA) serves and unites Black alumni and UC Berkeley undergraduate students.
Black Engineering and Science Alumni Club (BESAC)
BESAC’s mission is to improve the opportunities and support for Cal Black alumni, students, professors, and staff in engineering and sciences. BESAC strives to bring UC Berkeley alumni together in organized efforts to benefit the members of the chapter and UC Berkeley.
Black Lives After College (BLAC)
Black Lives After College (BLAC) is a collective of former Cal Black athletes, alumni, and supporters working to improve the achievements of Black athletes by serving as a critical resource to establish a more inclusive and equitable system. To learn more about BLAC or to get involved, contact Jason Gant at jason.gant@gmail.com.
Local Events
How to Celebrate Juneteenth in the East Bay (Berkeleyside)
The city of Berkeley’s Juneteenth celebration has taken place since 1986.
Read About the Impact of Black Cal Alumni
California Magazine’s Black Voices Issue
Read the entire issue cover to cover, including a reflection on Wednesdays at “the Wall”; profiles of astrophysicist/artist/activist Nia Imara and poet and MacArthur Fellow Fred Moten; and an interview with NBA G League president Shareef Abdur-Raheem.
Trailblazers in the Arts
Black alumni who have made a notable impact on our communities, professions, and in the world.
Black Cultural History at Cal: Sun Ra, James Baldwin, and More
A selection of past speakers and cultural events hosted at Berkeley.
How to Make Black Lives Matter at Berkeley
California magazine assembled a select panel of Black faculty, students, administrators, and alumni to discuss the question “How do we make Black lives matter at Berkeley and beyond?”
Trailblazers in STEM and Business
From pediatricians to mechanical engineers, Black Cal alumni have been champions in STEM and business spheres.
Trailblazers in Government
Black Cal alumni have made significant accomplishments in professional government fields.
From ESPN to the NBA, Black Alumni Have Made Their Mark in Athletics
Black Cal athletes left their mark in athletics—on and off the field.
You Should Know About Ida Jackson
California’s first certified Black educator, a Berkeley graduate, in her own words.
For more information on Juneteenth and what you can do to honor the day, visit UC Berkeley’s Juneteenth website.
