Juneteenth Observed

Published April 13, 2023

I am delighted to announce that Cal State Long Beach, together with the California State University system, will be closed on Monday, June 19, 2023, in observance of Juneteenth. This day, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates the freedom of African Americans, has been designated as a permanent holiday for all CSU campuses.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, originated in Texas and marks the date on which enslaved people in Texas were notified of their freedom, June 19, 1865 – more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. The holiday has since become a symbol of the end of slavery in the United States and the continuing struggle for civil rights and equality.

I encourage everyone to use the holiday to reflect on and participate in the activities and events that honor Juneteenth and its role in our shared history.

Jane Close Conoley, Ph.D.
President