Commemorating Juneteenth at Bastyr

Juneteenth, also known as “Emancipation Day” or the “Day of Freedom” is recognized as both a somber and celebratory day to commemorate the Thirteenth Amendment abolishing slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, two years after the emancipation proclamation was signed into law, the news of emancipation finally reached the last stronghold of slavery - Galveston Bay, Texas- and more than 250,000 enslaved people in the state were finally declared legally free. It is thus a day on which we memorialize the release from bondage of enslaved people, while simultaneously calling to mind the terrible toll that slavery took – and continues to take – on this country.

As we commemorate Juneteenth, it is incumbent upon all of us to learn more deeply about the honest history of this country – a history where the evils of enslavement and genocide, together with the identities and stories of its people have been made invisible for hundreds of years. Today, and in the days hereafter, we invite the Bastyr community to learn more about and unpack our country’s complex history to uncover so much of what was hidden from us for so long. We have the responsibility now to view this national holiday as a constant impetus to work towards anti-racism and equity in our communities, and an opportunity to tell a more truthful and inclusive story that will inform our next steps in creating a just society.

This year, Bastyr University is intentionally observing Juneteenth through the following events and resources for the community this week. We invite you to engage in these opportunities for reflection, healing, education, and celebration.

Striving for Black Joy: A Juneteenth Solidarity Circle for Bastyr’s Black Community

Thursday, June 15, 12:00-1:00pm (Virtual) To save your seat in the virtual circle, please register here.

Click here for flyer and additional information

The Real History of Juneteenth: Some Facts and Fictions with Dr. TaSha Levy

Friday, June 16, 12:00-12:55pm (Virtual) To receive calendar invite and Teams link, register here.

Juneteenth Resources on the DEI SharePoint

Click Here (Password required)

Juneteenth Flag

The Juneteenth flag (below) was designed by Ben Haith, founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation (NCCF) in collaboration with Boston-based illustrator Lisa Jeanne Graf. Learn more about the flag here.