To the UMB Community,

 This month marks the fourth year that the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) will celebrate and honor Juneteenth as an observed holiday.

 Juneteenth commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Also known as Freedom Day or Black Independence Day, Juneteenth marks the official end of slavery in the United States and is observed annually on June 19, hence the name Juneteenth.

 This holiday is important in American history because it highlights and represents the struggle for freedom and recognition for African Americans who were not truly emancipated or integrated into the American dream of freedom. Its observance is a reminder of the importance of the ongoing struggles toward a truly free and democratic society and the urgency of promoting and protecting human rights and justice in the present and the future.

At UMB, we value equity, justice, respect, and integrity and continue to strive to live out these core values to foster greater inclusion and equity. Let us continue to foster a more just and inclusive UMB community and society at large. We also invite you to join us at the Juneteenth events listed below.

 In partnership and collaboration,

Diane Forbes Berthoud, PhD, MA

Chief Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer and Vice President, UMB
Professor, Graduate School