Dear Marietta College Community,
Today Marietta College’s once again observes Juneteenth, as the Office of Diversity and Inclusion hosts a celebration commemorating the arrival in Texas on June 19, 1865, of news of the Emancipation Proclamation issued by Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in the United States.
Activities will begin at noon on The Christy Mall and in the Kremer Amphitheatre, with free T-shirts, bracelets, cupcakes, and informational handouts available until 5:00 p.m. Starting at 2:30 p.m., there will be traditional Juneteenth picnic fare available (barbecue ribs, pulled pork sliders, pecan pie and sweet tea), provided by Parkhurst Dining Services.
On Thursday, President Biden signed a law that makes Juneteenth a federal holiday, celebrated on June 19th. Now more than ever, it is important that we recognize the significance of Juneteenth — or Freedom Day, as it is also known.
With our celebration today, the Marietta College Community recognizes the significance of this transformative moment. However you choose to recognize Juneteenth this weekend, I ask that you do so by observing this holiday’s relevance and legacy to current and future generations.
I hope to see you at today’s celebration, and I want to thank Tony Mayle, Acting Director of Diversity and Inclusion, and our new intern in that office, Robert Nelson ’21, for their great work on organizing today’s celebration.
Bring Forth a Pioneer,
Bill Ruud
President and Professor of Management