Thursday, June 19 1:00-4:00 p.m. First Floor, Sullivan Hall On Thursday, June 19, the Blockson Collection will hold an open house to celebrate Juneteenth and open the collection to the Temple community and general public. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Celebrated on June 19, it marks the announcement of the ending of slavery in Texas on that day in 1865. From its Galveston, Texas origin, the observance of this date as African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. This event provides an unprecedented opportunity to meet a man who made history, as Bernard Fernandez of the Negro Leagues will be the guest of honor. The event will also include: An opportunity to meet collection founder Charles L. Blockson and artist Francine Still Hicks at a book signing; Updates on the collection’s newest acquisitions from curator Dr. Diane Turner; A chance to tour the collection and see the historical materials in the region’s premier collection documenting African American history and culture. We hope to see you there.