Observing Juneteenth

Dear Seattle University Community,

Today, June 19, Seattle University joins other communities nationwide in observing Juneteenth. Also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after slavery was officially abolished in the United States.

Yet, as we know all too well, the delay in word of emancipation getting to Galveston was a prelude to what has become a generations-long struggle to bring true freedom and equality to all Americans. And this ongoing work, as our present context reminds us, rarely proceeds in a straight line. It can be halting, frustrating, and at times even painful.

Especially during uncertain times, it is critical for us to remain steadfast in living out our Jesuit, Catholic mission of educating the whole person and upholding the dignity of all peoples. As a university community, we must continue to look inwardly with honesty, engage with one another compassionately, and, as called forth in Goal 4 of Reigniting Our Strategic Directions, move forward in promoting inclusive excellence for all.

As we pause today to observe Juneteenth, let us draw strength from the values we share and devote ourselves with renewed energy to building a more just and humane world.

Respectfully,

Eduardo M. Peñalver, President

Natasha Martin, Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion