Observing Juneteenth

Dear Campus Community,

Today, Seattle University joins others across the nation in commemorating Juneteenth. Also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, Juneteenth marks the anniversary of the day—June 19, 1865—when enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of the Emancipation Proclamation—over two years after slavery was officially abolished in the United States. Juneteenth represents liberation, freedom, perseverance, and the ongoing quest for equality.

As a Jesuit institution dedicated to creating a more just and humane world, we acknowledge and honor this historic day as part of our broader commitment to fostering an environment where all feel they belong. Guided by our mission and Reigniting Our Strategic Directions Goal 4: Promote Inclusive Excellence, we strive to develop and nurture people for others with the knowledge and character to courageously confront injustice and actively work to create a flourishing society for all. We draw strength and hope from our campus community's openness in addressing challenging issues and engaging in dialogue about racial justice.

We are mindful that our ongoing efforts unfold within a complex societal context. On the one hand, this year we are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education. On the other hand, events around the country remind us just how far we have to go, particularly in the area of education. As legislation is introduced and passed nationwide censoring initiatives that promote or even discuss racial equity in educational settings, we must reaffirm our dedication to inclusive academic excellence. Seattle University’s mission to foster an inclusively excellent institution for all who live, learn, and work here is deeply rooted in our Jesuit, Catholic values, which uphold the equal dignity of every individual.

In honoring Juneteenth, let us renew our collective commitment to acknowledging and never forgetting our nation’s dark history with enslavement, elevating the voices and experiences of Black communities, and challenging and deepening our understanding. Because our freedom is bound together, we have a shared responsibility to participate in the ongoing fight against persistent systemic racism.

Respectfully,

Eduardo M. Peñalver, President

Natasha Martin, Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion