Honoring Juneteenth 2024

Dear CUNY SPS Community,

As we come together to celebrate Juneteenth, I’d like to encourage us to reflect upon this significant day in our nation's history. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and marks a pivotal moment of liberation and justice in American history. It is a time to honor the strength, resilience, and contributions of Black Americans throughout our history and recognize the enduring struggle for equality and justice.

At CUNY SPS, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse community where every member feels valued and respected. Juneteenth is not only a celebration of freedom but also a reminder of the work that remains in our collective pursuit of racial equity. By acknowledging this important day, we reaffirm our dedication to creating a campus environment that embraces diversity and promotes social justice.

To commemorate Juneteenth, our Community on Institutional Equity and Diversity (CIED) has curated a roundup of resources, events, and activities. Here are some of my favorites from their list:

• New-York Historical Society

Our partner in the MA in Museum Studies program, this wonderful museum has a wide range of videos and programming aimed at deepening our understanding of African American history and the ongoing fight for civil rights.

In particular, this video comes highly recommended: Celebrating Juneteenth: The Legacy of Frederick Douglass.

• Bronx Community College

Our fellow CUNY school has developed a comprehensive website devoted to historic information, links to resources, and videos on why we celebrate Juneteenth and its importance.

One highlight from their rich resources is the documentary Juneteenth: Faith and Freedom, which can be viewed directly on the BCC website or on YouTube.

• New York Public Library

Always a great resource for everything, the New York Public Library has a fascinating and carefully curated list of Juneteenth reads for all ages.

Finally, I invite you all to visit the CUNY SPS Blog for more recommendations on Juneteenth events and activities around New York City.

I encourage each of you to participate in these activities, engage in meaningful conversations, and reflect on the significance of Juneteenth and on our journey toward a more just and inclusive society. Together, we can build a future where justice, respect, and recognition are the hallmarks of our community.

Sincerely,

Lisa R. Braverman, PhD

Dean, CUNY School of Professional Studies