Dear Students and Colleagues, 

Juneteenth has grown from a regional celebration of the end of the enslavement of Black people in Texas into a broader observance. Today, Juneteenth provides us with a special opportunity to celebrate Black history, arts and culture. This national holiday is a reminder of our progress; it is also a reminder that there is still much work left to do. 

Over the next few days, throughout the city and region, there will be several events held to celebrate Juneteenth. Here at Temple University, we will also recognize the occasion, and I encourage all members of our community to partake in the various opportunities to mark this national day of recognition. 

Our Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection is one of the most significant collections of African American artifacts in the U.S. as it houses more than 700,000 items from 1581 to the present related to the global Black experience. Its collection expanded this month with the launch of the Philadelphia Black Music Archive, which has been developed in partnership with Temple alum Frank Johnson. This extensive collection contains photographs, interviews, documents, recordings and musical instruments showcasing the cultural contributions of Philadelphia’s Black musicians, vocalists, songwriters, producers, record labels and venues. I encourage all members of the Temple community to visit the archive to see these historical artifacts up close. 

On Tuesday, June 17, the Blockson Collection will also celebrate Juneteenth by partnering with the global arts organization Getty to host Visions of Black Life: Honoring the Johnson Publishing Company. During the event, which begins at 3 p.m., artist Hank Willis Thomas will discuss the field of Black visual studies and highlight the work of activists, scholars and artists working in this area.  

IDEAL will also host a Juneteenth Film Festival and Freedom Café as part of a three-day series exploring themes of liberation, resistance and Afrofuturism through film and conversation. Attendees can use this link to register for the festival, which begins Tuesday, June 17, and continues through Juneteenth. 

Additionally, on Saturday, June 21, the Temple University Black Alumni Alliance and our Center for Anti-Racism will partner to host a Family Field Day Celebration. More information on the event can be found here. 

As we move forward, we are called to remember and reflect on the true meaning behind Juneteenth, and to celebrate and amplify this important day. 

Sincerely,    

John Fry 
President