Juneteenth Holiday and Remembrance 2024

“Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory, or an acceptance of the way things are. It’s a celebration of progress. It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible—and there is still so much work to do.” 

-Barack Obama 

Today, we proudly celebrate Juneteenth – also known as Freedom Day – commemorating the end of slavery in Texas, the last state in the Confederacy to do so, on June 19, 1865. This day holds great historical significance and calls upon us to reflect and most importantly, ensure continued access to voting, equal rights, and economic opportunities.

As we reflect on this day, we are also called to action. We must continue to educate ourselves, listen to the experiences of others, and work together as allies to advance equality. We are committed to a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as one of our key guiding principles. We also recognize that this work is ongoing.

We encourage all individuals, families, and staff to engage in activities, access educational resources, support local Black-owned businesses, and connect with their communities to promote awareness of this important day in OUR history. By coming together in these meaningful ways, we can advance the conversation and promote understanding and unity.

Together, we will continue to create positive change.