Juneteenth Recognition
Dear STCC Community,
On Sunday, the nation recognizes Juneteenth Independence Day, which has been proclaimed as a Massachusetts holiday. Notwithstanding the Emancipation Proclamation, Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States, and President Biden signed a bill last Juneteenth also creating a national holiday. On Monday, we will have the opportunity to enjoy a day off from work.
Over the long weekend, I invite you to pause and reflect on our nation’s history. Juneteenth marks a time to appreciate the contributions of those enslaved, and is also a time to honor the achievements and contributions of our Black and African American students, staff, faculty and community partners; together we move toward a brighter future.
In the words of a past president:
Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory or an acceptance of the way things are. It’s a celebration of progress. It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible—and there is still so much work to do.– Barack Obama
Sincerely,
John B. Cook, Ph.D.
President