Juneteenth

Juneteenth became a Federal holiday on June 17, 2021. Learn about the history of this significant holiday and check out our events below!

Juneteenth Events

June 16, 2024  -  Juneteenth Festival 

11:00 am - 7:00 pm PST 

On Sunday, June 16th, Berkeley Lab’s Government and Community Relations Office is partnering with the African American Employee Resource Group (AAERG) to participate in the 37th Annual Berkeley Juneteenth Festival. Berkeley's Juneteenth Festival is the longest-running Juneteenth event in Northern California, and our participation is a valuable way for the Lab to share with the local community more about who we are and what we do.

Location: 3271-3299 Adeline Street, Berkeley, California

Sign up to volunteer at the Berkeley Lab booth.

June 18, 2024  -  'Juneteenth: 1865-2021' Film Screening 

12:00 pm -1:00 pm PST 

Join the AAERG at 50 Auditorium (in person only) to view the film.

Juneteenth is the celebration of freedom for African Americans, who were enslaved until 1865. For hundreds of years, African Americans celebrated Juneteenth (especially in Galveston, Texas where the last slaves were made aware of their freedom on June 19, 1865, 2 ½ years after the Emancipation Proclamation declared them free). This film will explore the history of Juneteenth while showing the difficulties of realizing freedom. It is important for everyone in America [including the Lab community] to understand the significance of Juneteenth as we prepare to observe this national holiday. 

June 21, 2024  -  Juneteenth Happy Hour 

5:00 pm -7:00 pm PST 

Join the AAERG and the Black Faculty and Staff Organizations of UC Berkeley and UCOP at Oeste to celebrate Juneteenth, happy hour style.

For the first time, employee organizations supporting Black and African American employees at East Bay UC locations are coming together to celebrate Juneteenth!

Oeste, 722 Clay Street, Oakland, California 94607

Juneteenth 2023 

A Message from Mike Witherell, Laboratory Director

"Berkeley Lab will celebrate Juneteenth on Monday, June 19, 2023. The Lab will be closed on Monday.

June 19, shortened to Juneteenth, is the date in 1865 that federal forces arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce federal laws enacted two and a half years earlier prohibiting the enslavement of people of African descent. A longtime annual celebration for many Black and African American people, Juneteenth was established as a federal, UC, and Lab holiday in 2021 as a day to reflect on the experiences of Black people in America. "


Read the full letter>>

Volunteers needed for Lab Booth at Juneteenth Festival


On Sunday, June 18, Berkeley Lab is participating in the Berkeley Juneteenth Festival. Berkeley's Juneteenth Festival is the longest-running Juneteenth event in Northern California, and our participation is a valuable way for the Lab to share with the local community more about who we are and what we do. That's where you come in. As a volunteer, you will:


The event takes place from 11am-7pm in south Berkeley’s five-block Alcatraz-Adeline corridor. 


To learn more about Juneteenth and the history and significance behind this celebration please visit berkeleyjuneteenth.org.

Juneteenth Celebration Events

Wednesday, June 14th 2023

AAERG All Member Meet & Greet

Date & Time: Wed, June 14th, 2023 | 12 - 1pm
Location: This is an in-person meeting.  Please come to building 59

Please join us for a meet and greet as we start to come back onsite and Juneteenth celebration.  This will be an opportunity for new members to meet existing members.  We will also have announcements and updates on the activities for this fiscal year.

Juneteenth 2022 

Juneteenth Celebration Events

Wednesday, June 15th 2022

AAERG Juneteenth Kickoff Celebration
Date & Time: Wed, June 15th, 2022 | 12 - 1pm
Location: Zoom Link
Berkeley Lab employee and AAERG member Katrina King will share her perspective and family history related to the Juneteenth holiday.
+  Add to Calendar

Friday, June 17th, 2022

2022 Juneteenth HBCU Alliance Virtual Career Fair
Date & Time: Fri, June 17th, 2022 | 9am – 12pm
Location: Zoom link OR 33-106 Conference Room
A virtual career fair for recent graduates, alumni, and members of various professional organizations, hosted by Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University.
+ Add to Calendar

AAERG Juneteenth Informal Lunch & Hangout (outdoor)
Date & Time: Fri, June 17th, 2022 | 11:30am – 1pm
Location: Patio Area on the side of Chu Hall, Bldg 33
BYOL (bring your own lunch). Drinks & desserts provided: red soda, red velvet cupcakes, cherry pies, sliced watermelon, and strawberries.
+ Add to Calendar

Saturday, June 18th, 2022

41st Annual Juneteenth In The Streets Festival (San Jose)
Date & Time: Sat, June 18th, 2022 | 12 – 7pm
Location: Downtown San Jose, SoFA District, South 1st Street

Sunday, June 19th, 2022

Berkeley Juneteenth Festival
Date & Time: Sun, June 19th, 2022 | 11am – 7pm
Location:  South Berkeley’s five-block Alcatraz-Adeline corridor
Learn More

Afrocentric Oakland's Juneteenth Weekend
Date & Time: Sun, June 19th, 2022 | 12 – 8pm
Location:  Lake Merritt Amphitheater, Lake Merritt Boulevard, Oakland, CA 94612
Learn More

Bayview Opera House Juneteenth Celebration
Celebrate Black Liberation through music, dance, and more!
Date & Time: Sun, June 19th, 2022 | 2 – 4pm
Location: Bayview Opera House Ruth Williams Memorial Theatre, 4705 Third Street, San Francisco, CA 94124
Learn More

Saturday, June 25th, 2022

Grown Women Dance Collective
Date & Time: Sat, June 25th, 2022  | 6 – 7:30pm
Location: Online

Juneteenth Zoom Backgrounds