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Furman commemorates Juneteenth by showcasing student research and creative works
Holly Pinheiro Jr., associate professor of History at Furman University, speaks during the 2024 Juneteenth celebration at the James B. Duke Library. Photo by Nathan Gray, Furman University.
Furman University celebrates Juneteenth on June 18 with an on-campus faculty panel discussion and a showcase of student research and creative projects.
Juneteenth, which was made a federal holiday in 2021, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It’s observed on June 19, the day in 1865 when U.S. Army Maj. Gen Gordon Granger gave the general order in Galveston, Texas that all enslaved people were free.
But it’s about more than slavery, said Holly Pinheiro Jr., associate professor of African American History.
“Black people are more than oppressed historical actors,” he said. “As this event demonstrates, Black people and their allies have worked and continue working to make our global societies more inclusive, more hopeful, more caring and more joyful.”
The entire campus and Furman community are invited to attend the celebration, which begins with a faculty panel discussion at 10 a.m. June 18, in the Trone Student Center Watkins room. At 11 a.m. there’s a showcase of student research, creative projects and performances, followed by a community lunch at noon.
“Black history and people are more than slavery. Their past predates the ‘founding’ of America,” Pinheiro said. “And the future remains bright.”