Reflections for Juneteenth
Saint Mary's College recognizes this day as a time for deep reflection and recognition of the enduring resiliency and richness of our Black and African American communities.
This upcoming Monday, our nation will honor Juneteenth.
For many years, Black and African American families and communities have, on this day, commemorated the end of slavery in America by celebrating their culture, strength, and perseverance. In 2021, President Biden signed a bill into law that made Juneteenth a national holiday. This year it is celebrated on Monday, June 19.
As we celebrate and acknowledge the historic significance of Juneteenth, this day also offers an opportunity for reflection on our nation's history, and the existence of prejudice, fear, polarization, and inequality with which it continues to struggle.
I encourage all of us in the Saint Mary’s College community to pause. Let us reflect on the importance of this national holiday. As we discuss in our Collegiate Seminar program, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., fought and died for what he called the “beloved community.” How can each of us work to promote this same “beloved community?”
Just yesterday, Br. Armin Luistro, FSC, Superior General of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, visited Saint Mary's and remarked on the role (and gift) of Lasallian universities and their focus on justice, fraternity and community. He noted, “A very important part of our tradition is to recognize that everyone is a sister and a brother, every opinion is worth listening to, every student is worth respecting.”
I am grateful for the very many students, faculty, staff, alumni, and benefactors who are engaged in the ongoing work of building true community. As we follow the lead of the founder and our own Christian Brothers past and present, let us strengthen a community aligned with our Lasallian Catholic values not only of diversity, equity, and inclusion, but one of true belonging in which each member is heard, seen, respected, and affirmed in their gifts and contributions.
Please join me in acknowledging Juneteenth as a time for deep reflection and recognition of the enduring resiliency and richness of our Black and African American communities.
Sincerely,
Frances M. Sweeney, PhD
Professor of Spanish and Vice President for Mission