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DEIB Deep Dive
The Importance of Observing Juneteenth From Romina Pacheco, PhD, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
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n June 2021, the U.S. government began to recognize That is, “mirrors” where everyone can see themselves Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Starting this school reflected in the books we read, the language we use, the year, The Windward School adjusted its own calendar symbols we see, and the way we treat each other; and to include the observance of what is considered the oldest “windows” that help us gain perspective of the experiences celebrated commemoration of the ending of enslavement of people who are different from us. We want everyone at in the United States. Though the Windward to develop a sense of Emancipation Proclamation belonging to their school, and this “By observing Juneteenth, became law on January 1, 1863, it begins by creating space for all of us was not until two and a half years to be seen in our various identities. that also means that we later, on June 19, 1865, when By observing Juneteenth, that enslaved African Americans in also means that we are a school are a school that strives Texas learned the news that the that strives to prepare young to prepare young people Civil War had ended and that they people to be active participants were free. From that point forward, in a multicultural democracy by to be active participants June 19 has been known amongst providing them with the skills, in a multicultural African Americans as Juneteenth, tools, and language to advocate or Freedom Day. for themselves and others, as well democracy...as well Growing up in Venezuela, I had as engage in meaningful dialogue learned about the Fourth of July as about our similarities and as engage in meaningful the U.S. Independence Day; thus, it differences. Although the school dialogue about our came as a surprise when I migrated year concludes before Juneteenth to the United States and learned occurs in 2022, Windward is similarities and differences.” about “Black Independence Day” demonstrating to its students that from my African American friends. our community is one that believes Perhaps it was expected that as a new immigrant I would in inclusion and belonging even when they are not physically not know all the historical facts of my new place of in school. residency; however, a Gallup survey conducted in 2021 To honor Juneteenth, I invite you to take the time to confirmed that I was not alone in my unfamiliarity with learn more about the history associated with the holiday, Juneteenth, as 60% of Americans knew nothing or very little uplift the stories of Black people, and reflect on what it about the holiday. Social scientists have documented how means to you. Here are three recommendations to learn the legacy of enslavement lives with us today. They have more about Juneteenth: also pointed out that while we have come far, there is still 1. Visit the virtual programing organized by much left to go to achieve true equity amongst all people The Smithsonian National Museum of African living in this country. The recognition of Juneteenth as a American History at nmaahc.si.edu/juneteenth. national holiday is an important step towards reconciling 2. Read the book On Juneteenth by the Pulitzer with our past and moving forward as a nation. Prizewinning author Annette GordonReed. Observing Juneteenth at Windward is more than taking a 3. Read The Juneteenth Story by Alliah L. Agostini day off. This move represents the acknowledgment that at with younger readers. The Windward School we are committed to providing Happy Juneteenth! “mirrors and windows” for all members of our community.
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The Compass Spring/Summer 2022
