Juneteenth
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States, more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX, and announced the end of the Civil War and the end of slavery. The former enslaved men and women in Galveston celebrated the day that they were set free, although slavery didn’t end right away. It wasn’t until the 13th Amendment was ratified on December 6, 1865 by 27 of the 36 states that slavery became officially illegal. Six of the remaining nine states ratified the amendment by 1870.
Juneteenth is also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, and Black Independence Day. It emphasizes Black education and achievement. It affirms the contributions of Black and African American communities to the growth of the United States while recognizing the ongoing challenges of inequity and systemic racism.
2024 Events
Juneteenth Celebration with Dr. Russell Ledet
June 14, 2024 from 4-5 pm in the Richard Feldman Ballroom
The Office of Equity and Inclusion for Research and Research Education and SMD Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs will host a 2024 Juneteenth Celebration with Keynote Speaker Dr. Russell Ledet, MD, PhD, MBA
Dr. Russell Ledet served on both active and reserve duty in the U.S. Navy, including as a U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guardsman in Washington, D.C. He completed Navy cryptology training and was assigned to the USS John L. Hall (FFG-32), based in Mayport, Florida. Dr. Ledet has received multiple Navy Achievement Medals for his leadership and work ethic. After 5 years of active service, he transitioned to the USN Reserves while attending Southern University, where he obtained bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry and Biology. He then earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Oncology from NYU, conducting research on prostate cancer biology and therapeutics utilizing proteomics and bioinformatics funded by NIH and HHMI. This work was published in Nature. Upon completing his PhD, he began medical training at Tulane School of Medicine. During this time, he co-founded The 15 White Coats to help underrepresented minority students pursue medicine through inspiration and support. Dr. Ledet’s personal journey and his activism/philanthropy have received national media recognition. His story will greatly inspire our learners, faculty, and staff.
If you would like to attend, please register HERE.
Advancing Racial Justice in the Workplace: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Systemic Change with Mary Frances Winters, MBA \
June 17, 2024 from 6-7:15 pm via Zoom
Based on her latest book, Racial Justice at Work: Practical Solutions for Systemic Change, University of Rochester Trustee Mary-Frances Winters ’73, ’82S (MBA) will explore pivotal themes driving discourse on diversity, equity, and inclusion. As we mark the third year that Juneteenth has been a federal holiday, it is more important than ever to address the current social-political climate with justice-centered approaches. Traditional DEI approaches come with inherent limitations, often failing to effectively tackle the necessity for deeper systemic change. Join Winters as she explores how organizations and leaders can sustain their commitment to repairing harm and actualizing equity for all. This event will be moderated by Adrienne Morgan ’13W (PHD), vice president for equity and inclusion and Richard Feldman Chief Diversity Officer.
If you would like to attend, please register HERE.