The Minot State University Diversity Council is hosting a Juneteenth event on Monday at 1 p.m. on the Minot State Quad, located in the heart of campus.

Louis “Mac” McLeod, Minot Area Homeless Coalition executive director, retired U.S. Air Force, and civil rights movement member, will speak at the event and raise the Juneteenth flag.

“Mr. McLeod has contributed positively to the community and we recognize him for the work he has done in the Minot area, community outreach, and work with the civil rights movement,” said Annette Mennem, MSU Native American Center director and Diversity Council member.

Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved black Americans and is also often observed for celebrating African-American culture. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1865.

“It is important for Minot State and the Minot community to recognize the significance of Juneteenth as an important date in our nation’s history,” said Mennem. “Minot State’s Diversity Council is happy to celebrate the ending of slavery in the United States and hopes to raise awareness of the holiday within Minot and the MSU campus.”