STLCC Celebrates Juneteenth, Freedom Day

In Galveston, on June 19, 1865, U.S. General Gordon Granger read General Order No. 3: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.”

Texas was the last state to honor the 13th Amendment that had been passed more than two years earlier. Juneteenth - a combination of June and 19th - is also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, and is a historical day for reflection, celebration and education.

At the Thursday, April 22 board meeting, the St. Louis Community College Board of Trustees approved Juneteenth as an official holiday for the College starting in the 2021-2022 academic year. We will officially observe the holiday on June 20, 2022.

The U.S. House and Senate passed legislation this week that establishes June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day. With President Joe Biden's signature today, Juneteenth becomes the 12th federal holiday, and the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was created in 1983.

For more than 150 years, African Americans have observed Juneteenth with parades, festivals and other special events. Juneteenth is a time for all of us to reflect on the meaning of freedom and its complex history in our country.

There are many ways to learn more about the significance of Juneteenth. Throughout the region, there are resources and events to educate and engage in the greater St. Louis community. I encourage you to take an opportunity to be involved.

The last year has brought forth many discussions and work toward greater equity, diversity and inclusion. Declaring Juneteenth as an official College holiday is part of that work - - Juneteenth’s historical significance resonates today as we take a moment to reflect on freedom, change and the work to be done.

Sincerely,

Jeff L. Pittman, Ph.D.
Chancellor