Dear CSN Family,
Juneteenth has always been a celebration of hope and freedom — and I applaud the designation of this special day as our newest Federal Holiday. As we celebrate, let us affirm our desire to end anti-black racism, engage in open dialogue with one another, and pursue changes to advance our institution to ensure equity.
Today we acknowledge that on this day in 1865, two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, federal troops arrived Galveston, Texas and assumed control to ensure that all enslaved people were “thenceforward, and forever free.” Two months after President Lincoln (who signed the proclamation) was assassinated there was finally a reason for hope and the day became an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
As we endeavor to create a community, state and nation true to the notion that all of us are created equal, we must reflect on our history while actively pursuing a better tomorrow. The racism, bigotry, hate and intolerance in our past has no place in our future. Today, Juneteenth is a chance to celebrate and renew our commitment to one another and equality for all people. Happy Juneteenth.
Stay safe and God bless.
Federico