Chancellor Gary S. May today (June 17) released the following statement regarding President Joe Biden’s signing of legislation declaring Juneteenth (June 19) a federal holiday:

I’m moved to see Juneteenth, the day that commemorates the emancipation of slaves, made a federal holiday. It is a day that African Americans have long celebrated across the nation since June 19, 1865. While it is a day of joy, it is also a reminder of our nation’s history, how far we have come and how far we have to go. I encourage the UC Davis community to learn more about Juneteenth and find ways to join in celebrating this significant day.

Join the celebration

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• Juneteenth Block Party at 40 Acres — A first-time event in Sacramento’s Oak Park neighborhood, where the public is invited for a day of art, music, food and entertainment in and around the 40 Acres retail complex, 35th Street and Broadway, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday (June 19). Admission is free. Presented by St, Hope, a family of nonprofit organizations committed to revitalizing Oak Park through high quality public education and economic development, and sponsored in part by UC Davis Health, which will have a booth where employee volunteers will promote COVID-19 vaccinations and hand out gifts such as hand sanitizer and stress balls, while supplies last. Read more about the event in this news story from UC Davis Health.

• Yolo County Juneteenth — Watch a recording of this virtual event that was livestreamed on June 6. This year’s theme is “Still We Rise!” and Chancellor May is among the guests.