Chemistry's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee encourages everyone to observe Juneteenth.
Juneteenth (June Nineteenth, 1865) is a 155-year-old holiday celebrating the emancipation of African Americans from slavery in the U.S. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, slavery was continued in Texas until 1865.
Juneteenth marks the date when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed the enslaved African Americans of their freedom and that the Civil War had ended. It is a day of major significance in American history, a day of remembrance including the ongoing struggle to fight racism, and an opportunity for African Americans to honor their history and celebrate Black culture.
More information on this special holiday and why it should be celebrated by all can be found here:
Articles
Have a proud and happy Juneteenth! (Juneteenth.com)
What is Juneteenth? (History)
Why all Americans should celebrate Juneteenth (Time)
Biden signs bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday (AP)
Videos
Juneteenth: What you need to know (History)
Juneteenth: Freedom at last (Minnesota Historical Society)
Why all Americans should honor Juneteenth (Vox)
