Dear Loyola Community,
As we enjoy time off today in honor of Juneteenth, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on its significance.
Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, marks the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
Today, Juneteenth is a celebration, but it is also a time to recommit to fighting injustice in our world. As Loyola students, faculty, and staff, we are familiar with this work. In our community, we are involved in causes that defend the vulnerable and impoverished and we seek opportunities to serve others. We speak to power and serve as a voice for the voiceless. We are dedicated to addressing historical and systemic inequities and to promoting a fair and equitable society.
On our campus, we work to create spaces that honor all Americans' diverse histories and contributions, and we aim to build communities where everyone feels recognized and valued. Guided by our Jesuit mission and values, we strive to embody the principles of justice and service in all that we do.
Let us take this opportunity to reflect on how we can lean further into our call to advocate for others. Let us use this celebration to deepen our commitment to our guiding principles. Juneteenth is a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of solidarity in the pursuit of freedom and equality.
Peace and Blessings,
