[Important Information for Employees] Commemorating Juneteenth: Honoring Freedom and Advancing Equity at SUNY Plattsburgh

[Office of the President]

Dear Campus Community,


This Wednesday, SUNY Plattsburgh will proudly raise the Juneteenth flag
outside Hawkins Hall, where it will remain until Thursday, June 20, 2024,
as a symbol of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.The
colors of the flag are often seen in decorations, clothing, and various
forms of celebration during Juneteenth events.

   - Red: Represents the resilience and sacrifice of African Americans.
   -

   Green: Symbolizes growth, prosperity, and the promise of a bright future.
   -

   Black: Represents the African American community.
   -

   White: Often used in the Juneteenth flag to symbolize the struggle for
   freedom.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates the true ending of
slavery in the United States, marking the moment when the last enslaved
African Americans in Texas were told of their freedom—two years after
President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This day
serves as a poignant reminder of the long and arduous journey toward
justice and equality.

While Juneteenth has been celebrated by Black Americans since the late 19th
century, it gained national recognition as a federal holiday in 2021, when
President Joe Biden signed it into law as Juneteenth National Independence
Day. This recognition underscores the significance of this day in our
nation's history and its relevance to our present and future.

SUNY Plattsburgh will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, to honor this
vital moment in history. We encourage our campus community to reflect on
the profound resilience and contributions of Black Americans who have faced
and overcome immense adversity. This legacy is a testament to strength,
endurance, and the relentless pursuit of civil rights and social justice.

Our campus is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that respects
and honors the histories and experiences of all its members. Juneteenth is
an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and achievements of
the Black community and to recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of
achieving true equity and inclusion.

Let us use this day to educate ourselves, engage in meaningful
conversations, and participate in activities that honor the spirit of
Juneteenth.

In addition, we encourage SUNY Plattsburgh community members to participate
in Juneteenth programs on Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 9 am to 4 pm
including a Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Center Healing Circle
that will be hosted at 3 pm at John Brown Farm in Lake Placid, NY.
Transportation is available by emailing dupr6217 at plattsburgh.edu

For a full schedule, please refer to the following schedule:
https://bpb-us-w2.wpmucdn.com/www.paulsmiths.edu/dist/2/115/files/2024/06/Final-Juneteenth-program-for-2024.pdf

Together, we can continue to build a community that values diversity and
strives for justice.

Sincerely,

Dr. Alexander Enyedi
President
Allison Heard
Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
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