Juneteenth: Observing and responding together

This Friday, June 18, the Rowan University community will observe Juneteenth for the first time as a day designated on the state calendar to recall our country’s early steps toward racial equality.

As Juneteenth becomes a more visible part of our summer season, I encourage everyone to be thoughtful about the origin and significance of the holiday traditionally celebrated by families and neighbors in the American South and our Black communities.

Juneteenth’s origin: Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, but it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to share the news that the Civil War was over and enslaved people were free. Texas was the last state to end slavery, and the first to observe the holiday that later spread throughout the country. 

As a university community, we have the opportunity and responsibility to welcome, educate, inspire, serve and lead in the most important matters and moments in society. This June 18, I encourage everyone to observe Juneteenth and consider the value of freedom. We are indeed fortunate to have a new day set aside to reflect and respond, to break down barriers and build relationships, to right injustice and restore hope.

Whether we join public celebrations, gather in faith communities, attend marches or lectures, Juneteenth welcomes everyone to celebrate freedom. And every day, I look forward to working with you toward creating a more equitable, just, diverse, inclusive community at Rowan and beyond.

Yours truly,

Ali A. Houshmand, Ph.D.
President