Dear TC Community Members:

We write to wish you a meaningful and restorative Juneteenth, which the College and nation will observe as a federal holiday this Monday, June 19, 2023. 

Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, commemorates the freeing of enslaved people in the United States on June 19, 1865 in Texas—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863. 

The celebration of Juneteenth “was not meant to suggest that everything would be okay,” scholar Dr. Annette Gordon-Reed shared when she joined our community for the holiday in 2021, but rather “just the beginning of the struggle.” To that effect, in addition to offering an opportunity for joy, the holiday serves as a call to action—reminding us of the critical importance of our continued work to educate and advocate to support an anti-racist, equitable and inclusive society.

During the long weekend and throughout June, we hope you can find ways to celebrate and reflect by learning more about the day or joining in commemorative activities. When we return to campus on Tuesday, we look forward to celebrating together at TC’s annual Juneteenth Celebration and Barbeque, hosted by the Office of the Vice President for Diversity and Community Affairs.

Warmly,

Thomas Bailey
President

Janice S. Robinson
Vice President for Diversity and Community Affairs