June 17, 2021 – Millikin University and the African American Cultural and Genealogical Society of Illinois Museum are partnering to celebrate Juneteenth by providing tours of the museum on Monday, June 21, 2021.
Tours will be held from 1-4 pm. Those interested in attending the tours should register in advance by contacting the Millikin Office of Campus Life at campuslife@millikin.edu or by calling 217.424.6395.
Sometimes referred to as Juneteenth Independence Day, Emancipation Day, or Black Independence Day, Juneteenth is celebrated to commemorate the day that marked the effective end to slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived with federal troops in Galveston, Texas, to notify residents that President Abraham Lincoln had issued an order to free enslaved peoples. A celebration was held the next year on June 19, 1866, and became the first annual celebration of what is now known as Juneteenth.
The African American Cultural and Genealogical Society of Illinois was organized on Aug. 31, 1993, starting with 25 members from Decatur, Ill., and the surrounding central Illinois community.
The society is dedicated to promoting and facilitating an interest in research, preservation, and publishing African American genealogy and family histories. The society also helps provide resources and education about Africans and African American history of the central Illinois community as a whole and African American youth in particular. In addition to enhancing self-esteem and race relations through education, cultural activities, fellowship and cultural events, the society promotes and preserves the study of African American history, and fosters self-worth through cultural, artistic and educational endeavors.
“Millikin University understands and recognizes the importance of celebrating Juneteenth, as it serves as a reminder that there is still work to do to achieve a more inclusive, just, and equitable society,” said Millikin President Dr. Jim Reynolds.
The African American Cultural and Genealogical Society of Illinois Museum is located at 235 W. Eldorado St. in Decatur. For more information about the society, visit african-americancultural.org/.
