Step into the vibrant tapestry of American history and join us as we celebrate Juneteenth. Together, we will explore why it is important for Stanislaus State and our nation to embrace this newly recognized holiday. This commemoration is a powerful testament to the importance of unity, inclusivity and the pursuit of justice.
Braxton Mason, Stan State biology and psychology major, is proud and joyful to see this deserved and needed recognition at the national level and in the campus community. According to Braxton, “The importance of Juneteenth to me is deliverance, freedom; being able to take pride in the fact that we’re finally able to celebrate our culture, our blackness and we’re being recognized as a people.”
Understanding our past is essential for shaping a brighter tomorrow. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It marks the day, June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and proclaimed the end of slavery, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued. It provides us with an opportunity to honor and celebrate the rich African American history that has shaped our nation. By recognizing this significant milestone in our nation's journey toward freedom, we pay homage to the struggles and sacrifices of those who came before us, paving the way for a more inclusive future where justice and equality prevail.
As Director of Disability Resource Services Marvin William shares, “For our campus to celebrate Juneteenth, it means the campus cares and sees the contributions of the African American community. It really honors it, and it understands that previously we’ve not necessarily been included in the American dream, but the campus is saying, we see that this is freedom for everyone, so this is freedom for us, too.”
As institutions of higher learning, it is crucial to create environments that foster empathy, embrace diversity, encourage courageous conversations and prioritize inclusive experiences where all individuals can flourish. Embracing Juneteenth allows us to deepen our knowledge and engage in meaningful dialogue about the challenges faced by African Americans throughout history. Through educational initiatives and open conversations, we empower our students, faculty and staff to become catalysts for change in their own lives and communities. By embracing Juneteenth, we contribute to a culture of understanding on our campus and beyond.
Tamika Gardley, an academic advisor for the Educational Opportunity Program, highlights the significance of celebrating diverse communities on campus. Tamika says, "Celebrating it here on campus lets us know that celebrations have some cultural context and that everybody is important. We need to look at all communities on campus and what's important to all those communities."
Juneteenth transcends individual narratives and reminds us of the power of unity and solidarity. By joining together to celebrate this momentous occasion, we embrace the diversity that enriches our campus community. This celebration becomes a unifying force, fostering dialogue, understanding and respect among our students, faculty and staff. It serves as a powerful reminder that progress is achieved when we stand shoulder to shoulder, amplify each other's voices and dismantle the barriers that impede equality.
As we honor Juneteenth at Stan State, we invite you to join us on this enlightening journey of liberation and unity. By embracing this commemoration, we reinforce our commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable community that values diversity, empathy and understanding.
"Juneteenth represents togetherness,” said Adriana Lomas, an anthropology major and student ambassador for the Warrior Cross Cultural Center. “I spend it with my family and friends. We all go to Graceada Park in Modesto on Sunday because it wasn’t always a recognized holiday.”
How You Can Celebrate Juneteenth
You can celebrate Juneteenth by
- engaging in educational endeavors
- attending community events
- supporting Black-owned businesses
- volunteering for organizations dedicated to racial justice
- participating in heartfelt conversations about equality
- appreciating the richness of Black art and culture
- advocating for systemic change
- reflecting on our own biases and privileges
By taking these actions, we actively contribute to the ongoing journey toward a more just and inclusive society and stand in solidarity with the African American community.
