June 19, 2020 - From the President's Desk

Dear Wright State family,

Today we recognize and celebrate Juneteenth, the oldest national commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. For many, it is a day of joy and of pain, and this year it is a day of national action.

Juneteenth celebrates the freeing of slaves in Texas on June 19, 1865, when a Union general arrived in Galveston, Texas, and shared news that the Civil War had ended and the enslaved people of Texas had earned their freedom. It is not lost on many that these slaves received their freedom nearly two-and-a-half years after President Abraham Lincoln sought to set all slaves free in the United States with the Emancipation Proclamation. Slaves in Texas were the last to learn that they were in fact free. This also marked the beginning of a long and arduous journey toward equality for African Americans that continues today.

As important as Juneteenth is in the annals of U.S. history, it is of far greater importance for us today as our country is embroiled, engaged, and empowered by a great national movement regarding racial inequality that is long overdue.

At Wright State diversity should always be one of our greatest strengths. I believe our diversity of thought, culture, background, and experiences fuel our community’s ability to thrive in uncertain times, consider thought-provoking opinions without incident, and nurture one another when confronted by great challenges.

As we face our challenges of today and recall those of our past, I encourage our community to engage on this Juneteenth. Engage in growing your knowledge of the Juneteenth holiday. Engage in growing your compassion and attitudes of respect and appreciation toward each other. Engage in acquiring new skills to effect the changes you want to see in your communities. Engage in actively creating a society that promotes inclusiveness, equity, and justice for all.

Here are some educational resources where you can learn more about Juneteenth and its significance:

naacp.org/latest/juneteenth-education-is-freedom

nmaahc.si.edu/blog-post/historical-legacy-juneteenth

pbs.org/wnet/african-americans-many-rivers-to-cross/history/what-is-juneteenth

Best wishes,

Sue

 

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