Juneteenth National Independence Day

This week, the United States Congress passed a bill that has now been signed by President Biden creating a new federal holiday: Juneteenth National Independence Day. This will be the first new federal holiday established in our nation since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.

Observed on June 19th, Juneteenth commemorates the abolishment of slavery in our nation and has been celebrated within the Black community for more than 150 years.

Juneteenth National Independence Day acknowledges the painful legacy of slavery and the critical importance of continuing the fight for racial justice for Black Americans. At MSUM, we recognize that the establishment of this federal holiday is an important step forward. However, we also acknowledge that our work is not done.

Today, as we prepare to celebrate the first Juneteenth National Independence Day, the MSUM community reaffirms our commitment to equity and inclusion for all students, staff, and faculty who are part of our Dragon Family. We also join our Fargo-Moorhead community partners in sponsoring a Juneteenth celebration at the Lindenwood Park from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 19.

Please join in the celebration if you are able. And please join me in reaffirming our commitment to racial justice.

Dr. Anne Blackhurst served as Minnesota State University Moorhead’s 11th president from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2023.