USU Invites All to Free Juneteenth Celebration

LOGAN, Utah — Utah State University’s Center for Community is inviting all USU students, faculty, staff and members of the public to a free Juneteenth Community BBQ.

The event will run from 5 to 8:30 p.m. June 19 at Bridger Park, 1181 N. 400 West, Logan.

This celebration brings together the community to honor a pivotal moment in American history through activities that are both educational and enjoyable. The event will feature African drumming, stepping performances, live storytelling, music and more. A free BBQ meal, including vegetarian options, will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The USU Alumni Band will also celebrate Juneteenth as part of its summer concert series at 7 p.m. June 22 on the USU Quad. A portion of the concert will feature musical selections to honor the spirit of Juneteenth, directed by Lane Weaver.

Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the end of slavery — more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

In March 2022, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed legislation recognizing Juneteenth as an official state holiday, and it has since been designated as an official campus holiday at USU.