Montana State University will celebrate Juneteenth from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 21, in the Strand Union Ballrooms on the MSU campus.

This free, public event aims to celebrate Black excellence throughout American history and Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The family-friendly festival will include a panel of speakers, poetry reading, a Juneteenth story corner, art activities, community resources and a raffle with items from local organizations. Entertainment will be provided by Bozeman-based DJ Josh Perkins of Justus Entertainment.

The Juneteenth celebration is hosted by the Black Student Union, a registered student organization on campus; the MSU Office of Diversity and Inclusion; and the Diversity and Inclusion Student Commons.

This is the second year in a row that Juneteenth has been celebrated at MSU. Julian Collins, adviser of the Black Student Union, stressed that the event is open to everyone in the community who wishes to learn more about Juneteenth.

“This marks an important date in American history, not just to the Black community but to all Americans,” he said.

Sanai Mitchell, co-president of the Black Student Union, said organizers expect to build on the success of last year’s event.

“The planning committee chose to make our event an annual celebration coinciding with the Juneteenth holiday,” Mitchell said. “Last year we had a good turnout, and it ended up being a great way to get the community together to celebrate and educate them about African American history and culture.”

Dinner will be provided with a selection of main dishes, sides and desserts chosen by members of the planning committee for their historical and cultural relevance to the African American community. Black Student Union and planning committee members have prepared displays with food histories, along with their personal cultural experiences and stories about menu items, including fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, cornbread and peach cobbler.

Parking is available in outdoor parking lots, and more information can be found at montana.edu/parking/.