June 10 | Juneteenth

Dear Oasis Participants,
On June 19, 1865, more than 2 years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved Americans in Galveston, Texas, received the news that they were finally free. Since then, Juneteenth has come to mark not only the end of slavery, but the reality that the freedom and justice represented by the Emancipation Proclamation was not instantaneous, but rather the spark of a long, grueling fight towards racial justice that still persists today.

This year, Juneteenth is finally a nationally recognized holiday. It is a day that reminds us to not only heal from our past, but to be held accountable to it, learn from it, and grow from it. This day allows us time to grapple with the enduring and painful legacy of slavery and systemic racism imbedded in our institutions. It is a day to honor the extraordinary contributions of the African American community throughout history and our on-going journey towards racial equality.

During this continuous journey, we acknowledge the incredible significance of this day, while recommitting ourselves to equity, equality, and justice beyond calendar commemorations. Our work towards justice should not only recognize the important moments, but should transcend them until we achieve equity for all. While we continue this essential work, to our African-American members at Oasis, we celebrate you; we stand with you; we welcome you to our space of learning, progress, and possibility.
Thank you for your participation and your contributions.

Sincerely,
Sydney Folsom: Diversity Outreach Coordinator
To learn more about to Juneteenth sign up for this class:
Class 372 | Juneteenth: History, Heritage, and Holiday
Wednesday June 15 | 10:00 AM