[Important Information for Employees] Juneteenth Commemoration on Saturday

[Office of the President]

Dear Campus Community,

A Plattsburgh area Juneteenth commemoration is set for Saturday, June 19
from 9 to 10 a.m. in Trinity Park downtown. I encourage you to attend.

The event is being coordinated through our division of Diversity, Equity
and Inclusion under the leadership of Dr. Michelle Cromwell. The program
will feature speakers, including representatives from the North Country
Underground Railroad Historical Association, and local political leaders
from the city and town.

The official Juneteenth flag will be flown on campus as well other area
locations on Saturday.

Juneteenth was made a New York State holiday last year. The new state law
marks a day which commemorates the end to chattel slavery and celebrates
Black and African American freedom and achievements, while encouraging
continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. This week, the
U.S. Senate and House of Representatives passed a measure that would
establish a federal holiday for Juneteenth, with the bill moving to
President Biden for his signature.

June 19, 1865 is when the news of liberation came to Texas, more than two
years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation went into effect
on January 1, 1863. African Americans were made aware of their right to
freedom on this day when Major General Granger arrived in Galveston with
federal troops to read General Order No. 3 announcing the end of the Civil
War and that all enslaved were now free, as well as to maintain a presence
in Texas for the purpose of enforcement of emancipation among slave-owners
throughout the state.

For many in the North Country region — and across the country — this may be
the first time they are celebrating Juneteenth. It is important for us to
help lead the effort to grow recognition, understanding and acknowledgement
in the coming years, and I thank all on campus who are a part of this
effort.

Alexander Enyedi
President
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