Understanding Juneteenth: Insights from ETSU experts

The Basics: Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in the United States, became a federal holiday in 2021. It celebrates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas were informed of their freedom – a pivotal moment in American history. 

Deep Dive: East Tennessee State University offers extensive resources to explore the significance of Juneteenth and American history. 

Expert Insight: Dr. Elwood Watson, ETSU professor of history, stresses the importance of understanding this history. In 2022, he recommended three books: 

• “The Mis-Education of The Negro” by Carter G. Woodson. 
• “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” by Isabel Wilkerson. 
• “The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin. 

Watch and Learn: Dr. Daryl Carter, a professor of history, associate dean and director of the Black American Studies Program, provides a concise video explanation of Juneteenth's origins and its ongoing relevance. Watch the video here. In 2023, staff from ETSU’s Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center shared why Juneteenth continues to resonate. Watch the video here.  

East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.