June 19, 2024
Juneteenth serves as the annual celebration of the emancipation of all enslaved people across the United States on June 19, 1865.
June 19 is a day to honor black heritage and recognize all that Black Americans have had to endure throughout history, but also a day that resonates as a vow of freedom and opportunity. Speaking of the Juneteenth meaning as it pertains to his life in the 21st century, Ball State linebacker Keionte Newson tried to imagine being among the oppressed during those June days of 1865: "I could imagine everyone that was enslaved at the time was just so happy that they can live happy and free – and that's something that I feel like God put me on Earth to do is be happy and free.