CMU Celebrates and Honors Juneteenth

Dear Members of the Carnegie Mellon University Community:

Over the next few days, the university will create space to honor and observe Juneteenth. This national holiday, celebrated annually on June 19 since 1865, marks the end of chattel slavery in the United States. It is also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Juneteenth Independence Day and Black Independence Day. In recognition of Juneteenth and all that it represents, the university will continue our tradition of coming together to build understanding, uplift historically marginalized voices and deepen our commitment to being a place where diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are centered in all that we do.

The Office of the Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer, with support from university leadership and partners, is proud to host and support a number of events in honor of Juneteenth. More details about these and other events across campus are on the VP for DEI and CDO website.

Second Annual Juneteenth Welcome Reception with Sankofa Employee Resource Group on June 15 from 4:30 - 6 p.m.

We are excited to once again partner with Sankofa, CMU’s Black Faculty and Staff Alliance Employee Resource Group, to kick off this time of remembrance and celebration to reinvigorate the power of our communal voice for freedom that is informed by the lessons of our past. Allies, supporters and friends are welcome to gather, build relationships and come together in celebration of Juneteenth. Register to attend.

2023 Juneteenth Keynote Speaker Wil Haygood on June 16 from 12 - 1:30 p.m.

Wil Haygood is a best-selling author, prize-winning journalist, acclaimed biographer and cultural historian. His work tells the story of America through the lens of history, politics, sports, race and the lives of change-making African Americans. Best known as the award-winning author of the New York Times bestsellers “The Butler" and “Showdown,” his work has chronicled America’s civil rights journey through acclaimed biographies of Thurgood Marshall, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Sammy Davis, Jr., Sugar Ray Robinson and Eugene Allen, the real-life inspiration for Lee Daniels’ award-winning film, “The Butler.” He will join us to discuss the power and legacy of true liberty and freedom for all. Register to attend.

Learn more about additional campus and community Juneteenth events.

I hope to see you on campus as we come together as a community in recognition of this historic, significant and important holiday.

Sincerely,

Wanda Heading-Grant
Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer
Distinguished Service Professor, Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy