SALT LAKE CITY – Westminster University will honor Juneteenth National Freedom Day with a panel conversation on Thursday, June 13 from 12:00–1:30 p.m. The event will feature members of historically Black fraternities and sororities collectively known as the “Divine Nine”. The conversation will explore how Juneteenth and the Divine Nine have contributed to America’s past, present, and future, with a focus on civic engagement and community service. A reception will follow the panel discussion.
History of Juneteenth
Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to inform and ensure that enslaved Blacks were finally freed following the end of the Civil War. The troops’ arrival occurred two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end of slavery in the United States. The holiday has been celebrated by Black Americans since the late-19th century.
Juneteenth National Freedom Day became a federal holiday in 2021. The state of Utah added it to its list of state-observed holidays the following year.
The Juneteenth flag was created in 1997 by activist Ben Haith. The flag uses the red, white, and blue colors from the American flag, representing the fact that all formerly enslaved Black Americans and their descendants are American. It also features a bursting star over a horizontal arc, symbolizing freedom and a new horizon for Black Americans in all 50 states.
History of the Divine Nine
The Divine Nine are nine recognized Black Greek-letter organizations, called the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Consisting of five fraternities and four sororities, the Divine Nine has existed since the early 1900s and have made a deep impact on America’s past, present, and future. While each organization has different principles and missions, all are guided by a focus on civic engagement and community service through programs that include social and political action, literacy, educational and economic development, and leadership.
Event details
Thursday, June 13
12:00–1:30 p.m.
Gore Auditorium 112, Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business
Reception to follow.
Juneteenth flag
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