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On Thursday, June 19, we will observe Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the day in 1865 when word of the Emancipation Proclamation abolishing slavery finally reached the enslaved people of Galveston, Texas. At the ��������, we recognize that engaging with history, both its injustices and its moments of liberation, is central to our mission of fostering critical analysis, reasoned independence, and thoughtful moral discourse. Juneteenth is not only Black history; it is American history, and it reminds us of the ongoing work required to build a more equitable future in alignment with our university’s values and mission.

On this day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of African Americans, and we also recognize that freedom has not always led to equality and social justice. By examining our past and present, we prepare ourselves to actively participate in creating a more just and inclusive society. Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of both struggle and celebration, and a second Independence Day for many. We hope you will join us in honoring this important day through community, conversation, and connection.

The Office of Institutional Equity & Diversity, the Race & Pedagogy Institute, and African American Studies invite all employees and students to a campus celebration of Juneteenth!

We invite you to join us for the following events:

Tuesday, June 17:
Ice Cream Social in Wheelock
12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Enjoy ice cream from Bliss Small Batch Creamery while engaging in dialogue and opportunities for learning and reflection.

Wednesday, June 18:
Black Panther Screening at The Grand Cinema
7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Join us for a FREE screening of Black Panther for all staff, faculty, and plus ones! Doors open at 7:10 p.m. for social time and pre-screening remarks, with the film set to begin around 7:30 p.m. Concessions will be available for purchase on site. This event is not open to the general public.
The theater is limited to the first 70 that RSVP, so please fill out the link here if you plan to attend: .

I encourage you to reflect and learn more about this day. In addition to campus events, one way to do this is by attending Tacoma’s Juneteenth celebration, titled “Juneteenth: A Road to Economic Freedom,” on June 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Stewart Heights Park. This is a free event that will feature live music, performances, and more than 150 vendors. It is a time for the community to come together to celebrate Black freedom and identity, embodying the creativity, respect, and solidarity we strive to cultivate at Puget Sound.

This Juneteenth, I am reminded of the important work we are doing to ensure our campus is a place where all belong. I am deeply grateful to the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity, our faculty, staff, students, and community partners who lead this effort with courage and excellence. Together, we continue to build a world where liberation is not just a historical milestone but a living promise.

Respectfully,
Lorna Hernandez Jarvis, PHD. (She, Her, Ella) | VP of Institutional Equity and Diversity