Dear BMCC Community,
Today marks Juneteenth, a momentous day in our nation’s history. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
Juneteenth represents the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States and serves as a reminder of the long and arduous struggle for freedom and equality in our nation.
On this day, we honor the resilience, strength, and determination of those who fought for their freedom and the generations that followed. Juneteenth is not just a celebration of the past, but a call to action for the present and future.
In the words of Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, “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.”
At BMCC, the Race, Equity and Inclusion (REI) Steering Committee actively works to dismantle systemic racism and structural inequality within our college community. They serve in an advisory capacity to the Office of the President and college leadership, striving for equity, inclusion, and justice to bring about positive change.
Facilitating change requires our collective efforts and voices. By fostering critical thinking, empathy, and a deep understanding of history, we can become agents of change and challenge the status quo.
As we commemorate this holiday, I urge you to actively engage in this crucial dialogue. Your perspectives, ideas, and experiences are invaluable as we work towards meaningful change and progress in our community. To share your suggestions or learn more about how you can get involved, please contact REI at rei@bmcc.cuny.edu.
On this Juneteenth, let us reaffirm our commitment to fostering a campus community that celebrates diversity, promotes equity, and empowers all individuals to reach their full potential. Let us continue to educate ourselves and others about the history and legacy of Juneteenth, ensuring that the voices and experiences of marginalized communities are heard and valued. I encourage each of you to take this opportunity to reflect on the significance of Juneteenth, to engage in meaningful conversations about race and social justice, and to commit to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment within our institution and beyond. Together, let us honor the past, celebrate the present, and work towards a more just and equitable future for all.
Sincerely,
Anthony E. Munroe
President, Borough of Manhattan Community College
