Published: June 18, 2020

We recognize and reflect on the importance of tomorrow’sJuneteenth celebration, on June 19, or . Often this date is referred to as America’s second independence day.Ìý

Each year since 1865, June 19 marks the Juneteenth celebration of Black freedom and commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. To celebrate the Black and African American communities, we encourage continual learning around antiracism and support for the pursuit of equity and justice within our community. The date also provides an opportunity for the community to deepen its understanding and learn.

The campus community is invited to participate in opportunities beginning June 19 and throughout the coming week designed to enhance the knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Black colleagues, students and community members.Ìý

Supervisors are encouraged to enable faculty and staff to take time during the workday on June 19 to engage and reflect on this part of American History. It is essential for us as a campus to take some time to educate ourselves on the meaning of Juneteenth. For some, this may mean participating in a virtual event, reading or podcast, or having a conversation with family and friends.


Academics for Black Survival and Wellness InitiativeÌý

ÌýJune 19–25

Academics for Black Survival and Wellness is a week of personal and professional development sessions. It’s designed for academic faculty and staff to examine the toll of racial trauma on Black people, resist anti-Blackness and white supremacy and seek both accountability and collective action for solutions. .

Virtual Lunch and Learn: Staying in Conversation About Racism

ÌýJune 19–Noon

The campus community is encouraged to join a 30-minute webinar facilitated by faculty and the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú´«Ã½ÎÄ»¯×÷Æ· Ombuds office on five ways to be engaged in conversations about racism. .Ìý

Reflecting on Juneteenth with Resources from University Libraries

The University Libraries have curated resources to help our community understand the importance, relevance and history of Juneteenth. .