We invite all members of the University of Chicago community to develop programs, events, and activities to observe and honor the Juneteenth 2025 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 19 as a legal public holiday.
On Juneteenth, people around the nation reflect upon the deep human toll of chattel slavery. It is also a day to be thankful for the progress that has been made, with hope for the future.
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 occur before the end of June. Grants will be awarded until the 2025 funding pool is exhausted. The application deadline is May 16, 5pm Central. Awardees will be notified the week of May 26.
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, and to ensure that Juneteenth programs and activities be open to all.
Applicants will be responsible for all aspects of organizing and executing the proposed event, including identifying and reserving space, contacting speakers and collaborators, and creating marketing and communication plans. Proof of manager approval will be requested for all staff awardees.
Applications are now under review for this RFP. Please submit a Word or PDF document addressing the application prompts, along with a completed budget and communications template, to tianap@uchicago.edu. UChicago faculty, other academic appointees, postdoctoral researchers, students, and staff are encouraged to apply, and the primary applicant must submit the proposal using their main UChicago, UCMedicine, BSD, Booth, or other University-affiliated email address. All proposal submissions are due May 16pm Central.
With questions, contact Tiana Pyer-Pereira at tianap@uchicago.edu.