UWSP Libraries

Today we commemorate Juneteenth , a pivotal day in American history and a celebration of Black freedom and resilience. What is Juneteenth? Although President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, its promises remained unfulfilled in many parts of the Confederacy for more than two years. Enslavers in Texas, in particular, delayed the announcement. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865 , when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas , with Union troops and General Order No. 3, that more than 250,000 enslaved people in Texas were informed of their freedom. That moment—now observed as Juneteenth —marks the official end of slavery in the United States, and the beginning of a long, ongoing struggle toward justice and equity. Why Juneteenth Matters Juneteenth, officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, is more than a historic date—it is a call to action. It reminds us of the strength, endurance, and determination of Black Americans thr...

By Shane Olsen This June, in honor of Pride Month, the UWSP Libraries highlights the rich history of LGBTQ students, faculty, and staff on our campus. Much like their peers across the country, the LGBTQ community at UWSP have long faced discrimination, erasure, and institutional barriers. Today, with book bans and attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives on the rise, preserving these histories feels more urgent than ever. As archival theorist Terry Cook has noted, traditional archival practices often silence marginalized voices. [1] If we are to tell a complete and honest story of UWSP’s past, we must intentionally center those voices that were too often ignored or deliberately excluded. But the history of LGBTQ organizing at UWSP is not just a record of struggle—it’s a story of courage, joy, creativity, and community. GPU Newsletter 1980 The Early Years of LGBTQ Organizing LGBTQ history at UWSP is often fragmented—an absence shaped by decades of social ostr...

Watch critically acclaimed films, documentaries, and more – anytime, anywhere. With platforms like Kanopy , Swank , Films on Demand,  and others, you can stream movies that support coursework or just take a study break with a great film. Discover diverse perspectives, award-winning documentaries, international cinema, and classic literature adaptations — all free with your campus login. 👉 Start streaming here  https://libraryguides.uwsp.edu/findingVideos/streamingVideos

More than just definitions. The Oxford English Dictionary is the gold standard for anyone curious about where words come from, how their meanings change, and how they’ve been used over time. Perfect for English majors, creative writers, linguists, and anyone who loves language. Explore word histories, pronunciation, and surprising connections across centuries. 👉 Access the OED now  https://libraryguides.uwsp.edu/az/databases?a=o