Juneteenth

June 14, 2024

Dear all,

Wednesday is Juneteenth–the newest of our federal holidays, yet celebrating perhaps the oldest of our American values: freedom. Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when enslaved

Black Americans in Texas learned that the Civil War had ended and that they were free.

Although Juneteenth has been commemorated in many places ever since, it did not become a federal holiday until the killings of unarmed Black citizens in 2020 galvanized the needed support. This underscores an uncomfortable truth: that our deepest shared values have not always been lived—not then and not now. During this holiday, let us reflect on our continuing struggle to sustain the freedoms that democracy is meant to confer.

At Vassar, the recognition that institutions have not adequately reflected historical inequities and struggles for freedom has led to our Inclusive History Initiative. The Initiative is an in-depth and ongoing exploration of the College’s past as it relates to justice, equity, and fairness. We are focusing on this aspect of our past with the hope that it will point us to a better collective future.

To celebrate Juneteenth, enjoy the day off from work and see the many Juneteenth activities in Poughkeepsie beginning Saturday through next week.

Happy Juneteenth.

Elizabeth H. Bradley, President
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
@EHBVassar