In honor of Juneteenth, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Educational Opportunity Center will host a gathering!
Please join us on Monday, June 24 at 11:30 a.m. under the Student Pavilion for a post-Juneteenth celebration. There will be poetry, music, food, a brief overview about Juneteenth and vendors showcasing their art.
Juneteenth is a federal holiday that originated in Texas to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. However, it was not until two years later that enslaved African Americans in the state of Texas were made aware of their right to freedom. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston with federal troops to read General Order Number 3. It officially announced the end of the Civil War and that all enslaved African-Americans were free.
In 2020, then Governor, Andrew Cuomo issued an Executive Order recognizing June 19, also known as Juneteenth, as a paid holiday for all New York State employees.
In service,
Ainsley Thomas
Chief Diversity Officer