For the first time, Visible Music College will recognize and observe Juneteenth by closing all of its campus doors the Friday before the holiday.

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a holiday that marks a pivotal point in America’s history, that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

Observed annually on June 19th, the origin of Juneteenth begins when enslaved black people in Galveston, Texas, learn that they had been emancipated, close to more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had formerly been put into place.

On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, TX, Major General Gordon Granger demanded enslaved African Americans' emancipation and they were now informed they were free.

The name “Juneteenth” is the combining of June and 19th and is also sometimes called “Freedom Day”, "Jubilee Day" or “Emancipation Day”.

“We celebrate July 4th, which is our freedom day from Great Britain, but Juneteenth is a celebration for all in America, “ Director of Students, Jeremy Louison said.

How is it celebrated and observed?

According to the New York Times, in the past, many African Americans celebrated the day by praying and bringing families together. In some celebrations on this day, men and women who had been enslaved, and their descendants, made an annual pilgrimage back to Galveston.

Today celebrations still take place among families where food is an important element, but some cities hold larger events, like parades and festivals with residents within the city.

Many local and corporate businesses like Nike, Best Buy, Capital One, and Target have put in place days off for staff to observe and commemorate the holiday.

Why did Visible decide to observe Juneteenth this year and is this an ongoing observance?

With Visible Music College’s very diverse faculty and student body, founder and president Dr. Ken feels that it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the freedom of all people.

The college plans to continue to observe the holiday every year.

“The future for Visible Music College celebrating Juneteenth will be our bands with music celebrating the freedom of our fellow man.” Dr. Ken said.

What can we do to commemorate/observe the holiday in our communities?

Here are some links to events from various organizations that will be celebrating Juneteenth.

Online

Juneteenth Unity Fest

Saturday, June 19, 2021 5pm ET / 2pm PT

juneteenthunityfest.com

Livestream event conceived by Grammy-nominated African-American artist Robert Randolph, that will bring together people of all backgrounds in a day of unity to commemorate and celebrate Juneteenth and Black culture with musical performances, inspiring remarks, films, comedy, storytelling, and appearances by civic leaders and influencers.

Memphis

Memphis Juneteenth Festival

June 18-19, 20201

Health Sciences Park, Madison Avenue & S Dunlap Street

Memphis, TN 38103

Memphis is the mecca for black history and the fight for freedom in America. The move to Health Sciences Park is magnified by the fact that this will be the first year that the day is recognized by the state, county and the city of Memphis. Although the day is recognized, black people in America are still fighting for our lives and economic freedom!

About Visible Music College

Visible Music College, founded in 2000 by Ken Steorts (founding guitarist of Christian rock band Skillet), is located at 200 Madison Avenue in downtown Memphis. Visible is an accredited college with bachelor’s and master’s degrees and certificate programs, with a fully online option.

The focus of Visible is on creating small, intentional artist communities throughout the world that emphasize growth in three key areas: spiritual, professional, and academic.

For more information about Visible Music College, visit www.visible.edu.