Let's Reflect and Celebrate
Happy Pride Month! Happy Caribbean Heritage Month! And, in a matter of days, Happy Juneteenth, everyone!
For those unfamiliar with Juneteenth, it is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865 Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. This was two-and-a-half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation — which had become official January 1, 1863. Since July 4, 1776 is not a day all Americans were freed, Juneteenth is a holiday rooted in Pan-African American history that honors the independence of all Americans, including freed enslaved Africans.
Last year President Biden announced Juneteenth would be a federal holiday. This coming Monday, June 20 will be its national observance. However, similar to the views of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day this is not a day to be off and do nothing, but a day to center time and energy on collective responsibility to the Black community within the United States.
There are many ways to celebrate Juneteenth. One can start with a reading of the “History of Juneteenth” to learn how Juneteenth celebrations have endured and evolved over the years. At Carnegie Mellon University, the Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Wanda Heading Grant shared a myriad of wonderful programming to honor Juneteenth.
These include:
First Juneteenth Welcome Reception with Sankofa
Thursday, June 16 | 4:30–6 pm
Newell-Simon Atrium
Sankofa is a concept firmly rooted in the teachings of the Akans people of what is now present-day Ghana. Its literal meaning is “it is not taboo to fetch what is at risk of being left behind.” Sankofa, CMU’s Black Faculty and Staff Alliance, and the VP for DEI & CDO will kick off this time of remembrance and celebration for our community. More information is available on the VP for DEI & CDO website.
Keynote Speaker: Jamelle Bouie
Friday, June 17 | 12:00–1:15 pm
Rangos Auditorium and via Zoom
Juneteenth keynote event with award-winning New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie. Bouie is a political analyst for CBS News; he covers history and politics and is a writer, historian and accomplished journalist. Join us for this keynote event and conversation. Register to attend in person or on Zoom.
Jubilee on the Cut
Friday, June 17 | 4 pm
The Cut
Following in the traditions of Juneteenth Freedom celebrations, the CMU Black Graduate Student Organization (BGSO) will host its third annual Juneteenth Jubilee. This celebration is open to all and features music, outdoor field games, food, giveaways and educational materials. More information is available on the VP for DEI & CDO website.
For those interested in additional celebrations and local events, there are some wonderful options. One of the most important and immediately impactful actions anyone can take is to support Black-owned businesses and organizations within your communities. Please take advantage of the wonderful opportunities to support locally and participate in the university’s inaugural celebrations.
Please also engage in all the wonderful CMU Pride events taking place this month, including:
Keynote Speaker: Hugh Ryan
Tuesday, June 28 | 12:00–1:15 pm
Simmons B in Tepper Quad and via Zoom
Hugh Ryan is a writer and curator, and most recently, the author of "The Women's House of Detention," a queer history of the infamous prison that once dominated Greenwich Village. His first book, "When Brooklyn Was Queer," won a 2020 New York City Book Award, was a New York Times Editors’ Choice in 2019, and was a finalist for the Randy Shilts and Lambda Literary Awards. He was honored with the 2020 Allan Berube Prize from the American Historical Association. In 2019-2021, he worked on the Hidden Voices: LGBTQ+ Stories in U.S. History curricular materials for the NYC Department of Education.
LGBTQIA+ Faculty and Staff Alliance Social Event
Tuesday, June 21 | 12:00–1 pm
Connan Room, CUC
The LGBTQIA+ Faculty and Staff Alliance are hosting a lunch in the Connan Room, CUC. At this event, they will be collecting items for the Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation community pantry. Contact lgbtqia-employee-resource-group@andrew.cmu.edu for more information.
For local Pride events, please check out Pittsburgh Pride 2022.
Wishing everyone joyous celebrations!
In community,
Valeria J. Martinez, M.S.E.
Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
College of Fine Arts
