We invite all members of the University of Chicago community to develop programs, events, and activities to observe and honor the Juneteenth 2024 national holiday.
Juneteenth commemorates the end of chattel slavery in the United States, marking the day on June 19, 1865, that General Gordon Granger and Union Army soldiers arrived in Galveston, TX, to read an order of emancipation. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act to establish June 19th as a legal public holiday.
On Juneteenth, people around the nation reflect upon the deep human toll of chattel slavery and examine a wide range of issues that are relevant to addressing ongoing racial discrimination. It is also a day to be thankful for the progress that has been made, with hope for the future.
We invite members of the University community to develop events, programs, and activities to commemorate the Juneteenth national holiday and explore its importance to our campus community. Projects supported by this funding may include planning and hosting events, workshops, or artistic collaborations; engaging guest lecturers; building our collective knowledge on the historical legacy of slavery; or planning service or civic engagement work. Partnerships and collaborations with community organizations are strongly encouraged, and one project partner must include a representative from the University of Chicago.
Grants will be awarded up to $2,500, and priority will be given to proposals that can be executed before the end of June. Grants will be awarded until the 2024 funding pool is exhausted.
Examples of allowable expenses include:
- Costs related to hosting workshops, panels, or lecture presentations
- Cost related to mounting exhibitions, performances, artistic or social events
- Partnership and programming with outside experts or community organizations
We encourage applicants to think broadly and not limit themselves to these examples. Preference will be given to proposals that engage the University of Chicago community in reflection, celebration, or education. The goal is to have broad and diverse participation across campus.
With questions, contact Tiana Pyer-Pereira at tianap@uchicago.edu.
Applications are now closed for 2024.