On June 11, 2026, the California State University held its third biennial
CSU Juneteenth Symposium, “Pathways to Progress: Legacy, Learning, and Leadership." Hosted by
Cal State LA to honor Black history, reflection and the ongoing pursuit of equity and justice, the event brought together 200 higher education, civic, business and nonprofit leaders in person and was viewed by many more via livestream—with all CSU campuses participating in the celebration.
CSU Chancellor Mildred García served as the event's first speaker, reflecting on the history of Juneteenth. The holiday marks the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed the country's last enslaved Black Americans of the end of slavery nearly two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
“Juneteenth is an utterly unique and profoundly moving holiday," she said. “Simultaneously, it is celebratory and solemn—beautiful in its richness and complexity. We rejoice in celebrating all that the Black and African American community has achieved and overcome—even as we acknowledge and mourn with clear eyes and broken hearts some of our nation's most painful and shameful moments. And Juneteenth also compels us to authentically assess where we stand right now—and what challenges remain to be confronted."
The chancellor continued by reaffirming the CSU's commitment to seeking equity of opportunity and uplifting all students, especially as its strategic plan,
CSU Forward, includes a promise that every CSU student will graduate with the opportunity for a first career job or with a clear path to graduate study.
“Our commitment to anticipate and remove any barrier, current or future, that might exist between our students and their dreams, a degree and a transformed life has never been stronger," she said. “In the California State University, that commitment is, and will forever be, sacred ground."
Leaders sought to inspire and celebrate while challenging the university system and the larger community to continue striving for equity and justice for all.
“As we commemorate Juneteenth, let us move beyond remembrance to responsibility, beyond celebration to action," Cal State LA President Berenecea Johnson Eanes said. “Let us leave this symposium committed to creating pathways where none exist, opening doors wider for those who follow, and ensuring that other students, other families, every community has an opportunity to thrive. Because of this legacy we honor today, it is profound that we promise progress, and when we empower dreams, we truly transform lives."
From left: Cal State LA President Berenecea Johnson Eanes, President and CEO of the National Urban League Marc Morial and CSU Chancellor Mildred García at the CSU Juneteenth 2026 Symposium. (Photo courtesy Cal State LA/J. Emilio Flores)
Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League and former mayor of New Orleans, served as the event's keynote speaker. His address traced the racial history of America since June 19, 1865, as well as called for strong leadership in a time of political turmoil and the need to embrace a multicultural nation where every voice is represented.
“In this fight today, our number one adversary is a lack of courage. Our number one adversary is complacency," he said. “It takes leaders to stand in the breach in times of great difficulty and challenge. It takes leaders to inspire others to stand in the breach."
Following, a “Pathways to Progress" panel—moderated by Asia Shabazz, an open-format DJ, experience curator, host, producer and philanthropist—featured Tamala Barksdale, chief intelligence officer at madeXus Agency; Zoanne Clack, television writer and executive producer of
Grey's Anatomy; Arinze Jiroh, a psychology and Pan-African studies major at Cal State LA; and Shonda Goward, CSU interim associate vice chancellor for student success. The discussion covered a range of topics including the importance of media representation, equity in higher education, and mentorship to raise up the next generation of leaders.
Juneteenth Across the CSU
All 22 CSUs* celebrated, with many hosting watch parties of the June 11 symposium and featuring discussions, food, music and other activities. Some universities are hosting additional Juneteenth commemoration events in June.
Following the symposium,
Cal State LA hosted its Juneteenth Celebration at the University-Student Union Plaza for 300 attendees. It featured Divine Nine's step exhibition (a performance of the stepping dance form), a community conversation led by President Eanes and more.
Cal State LA's Juneteenth celebration featured the holiday tradition of line dancing. (Photo courtesy Cal State LA/J. Emilio Flores)
Cal State Fullerton began its Juneteenth celebrations with a June 4 campus visit to the California African American Museum, paired with reflection journals and group discussion.
The Student Success and Belonging Center at
Fresno State is hosting the Freedom Day Gallery Experience from June 11 through 30. The gallery explores Black history and the legacy of Juneteenth through photographs, historical images, documents and educational displays—including lesser known stories and historical moments in California.
Fresno State hosted a grand opening of its Freedom Day Gallery Experience on June 11. (Photo courtesy Fresno State/Cary Edmondson)
The “Remembrance, Reckoning, and the Courage to Rise Together" event at
Cal Poly Pomona on June 16 included a keynote speaker, lunch, community sharing and a collective brainstorm on strengthening belonging on campus.
Similarly,
CSU Bakersfield held a Juneteenth Breakfast Celebration on June 16 titled “Legacy Builders | Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future" with keynote speaker Tyree Boyd-Pates, founder and CEO of NOMMO Cultural Strategies and a museum curator, historian and author.
Finally,
Sonoma State will hold its Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony on June 18, which will include remarks from campus and community leaders. Alongside the City of Rohnert Park, the university will also present the Fourth Annual Juneteenth Luncheon honoring Black leaders in Sonoma County.
Watch the recording of the CSU Juneteenth 2026 Symposium.
*Transition to 22 universities in progress (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Cal Maritime integrating)—official fall 2026.