Dear Roosevelt Community,
June 19, 1865, Juneteenth, is one of the most important days in United States history.
On this day in 1865, two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation that outlawed slavery in the rebelling states, the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas received the news of their freedom. Juneteenth is often referred to as Freedom Day, but how free were Black people? Emancipation was a monumental step, but racial injustice, legal segregation, economic disinvestment in communities of color and the white supremacy movement all continued and still exist today, with long-lasting impacts on Black progress and achievement.
Juneteenth is one reminder of the slow progress toward liberty and the work remaining to achieve justice for Black Americans. On May 25, we marked the first anniversary of the murder of George Floyd and the civil, social and political movement that followed. June 1 was the 100th anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. I could list countless dates recognizing injustices against Black people. It is important to always remember that our nation still grapples with racism, the legacy of slavery and unequal access in America.
I am encouraged and hopeful because of Roosevelt’s founding mission and the efforts of our Roosevelt community, especially our students, to have difficult conversations and advocate for the betterment of everyone. Roosevelt provides the tools and access to prepare future leaders for an equal, inclusive and diverse nation.
This year, Roosevelt will observe Juneteenth on Friday, June 18 as a university paid holiday. I hope that this day will officially be recognized as a federal holiday in the near future.
Honoring Juneteenth, Roosevelt will be hosting a virtual panel discussion that everyone can participate in on Thursday, June 17 at 12 p.m. Join Roosevelt alumnae and Chicagoland mayors Sheila Chalmers-Currin, Tiffany Henyard and Katrina Thompson for Black Women Leading Their Communities. Our guests will discuss their career journeys, racial injustice, the pandemic and how their communities will recognize Juneteenth.
Register and find more information here.
Through the Center for Student Involvement and the Alumni Relations team, Roosevelt University hosted illustrious speakers who reflected on civil rights movements. Watch the events or listen to the podcasts:
- Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright and MLK’s Legacy
- Black History Month Keynote from Ilyasah Shabazz, author, educator and daughter of Malcolm X
- Police Violence and the Derek Chauvin Trial with four Roosevelt University faculty members
- Racial Equity in Education with Professor Ralph Martire
Roosevelt College was created in 1945 to make higher education more democratic, in a world where segregation dominated colleges and universities. This democratic mission of equality and access is embedded in everything we do. This year, University leadership will be sharing the 2021-24 strategic plan, which includes a University-wide commitment to embrace diversity, value personal perspectives and ensure equity in student success.
Thank you to everyone who advocates for social justice and equality, continuing the work left incomplete in 1863. We are positioned to be examples of how to create real change. This Juneteenth, let’s reflect on the challenges ahead of us and how we can facilitate change to make our university and communities welcoming to all.
As always, I welcome your thoughts.
With Warm Regards,
Ali R. Malekzadeh, Ph.D.
President