Dear BMCC Community,
Today we observe Juneteenth, the oldest national commemoration of the emancipation of slaves in the United States. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it is now celebrated annually on June 19 throughout the United States. It is commemorated on the anniversary date of the June 19, 1865, announcement of General Order No. 3 by Union Army general Gordon Granger, proclaiming freedom from slavery in Texas.
Today is a day of celebration and reflection. I encourage everyone to support each other as we continue to follow our commitment to advancing equity, strengthening our culture of care, and advancing socioeconomic mobility and justice through education. This past year we witnessed tremendous social injustices, most notably with the murder of George Floyd, which sparked an uprising of voices against unfair policing and treatment of Blacks and other minoritized populations.
During the recent Town Hall hosted by our Race, Equity and Inclusion (REI) Task Force we continued to hear and feel the pain related to racism, and we also heard the strength in our conviction to combat racism in all its forms. We heard students, faculty and staff share ideas about what we must do to make necessary change happen.
As we all celebrate Juneteenth, consider sharing your ideas with the REI Task Force at rei@bmcc.cuny.edu, so BMCC can continue to move the needle on social justice and make change happen.
Let us celebrate and remember this important day in history.
Sincerely,
Anthony E. Munroe
President, Borough of Manhattan Community College
