DEIB Deep Dive

The Importance of Observing Juneteenth

From Romina Pacheco, PhD, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

In June 2021, the U.S. government began to recognize Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Starting this school year, The Windward School adjusted its own calendar to include the observance of what is considered the oldest celebrated commemoration of the ending of enslavement in the United States. Though the Emancipation Proclamation became law on January 1, 1863, it was not until two and a half years later, on June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned the news that the Civil War had ended and that they were free. From that point forward, June 19 has been known amongst African Americans as Juneteenth, or Freedom Day.

Growing up in Venezuela, I had learned about the Fourth of July as the U.S. Independence Day; thus, it came as a surprise when I migrated to the United States and learned about “Black Independence Day” from my African American friends. Perhaps it was expected that as a new immigrant I would not know all the historical facts of my new place of residency; however, a Gallup survey conducted in 2021 confirmed that I was not alone in my unfamiliarity with Juneteenth, as 60% of Americans knew nothing or very little about the holiday. Social scientists have documented how the legacy of enslavement lives with us today. They have also pointed out that while we have come far, there is still much left to go to achieve true equity amongst all people living in this country. The recognition of Juneteenth as a national holiday is an important step towards reconciling with our past and moving forward as a nation.

Observing Juneteenth at Windward is more than taking a day off. This move represents the acknowledgment that at The Windward School we are committed to providing “mirrors and windows” for all members of our community.

That is, “mirrors” where everyone can see themselves reflected in the books we read, the language we use, the symbols we see, and the way we treat each other; and “windows” that help us gain perspective of the experiences of people who are different from us. We want everyone at Windward to develop a sense of “By observing Juneteenth, belonging to their school, and this begins by creating space for all of us that also means that we to be seen in our various identities. By observing Juneteenth, that are a school that strives also means that we are a school to prepare young people that strives to prepare young people to be active participants to be active participants in a multicultural democracy by providing them with the skills, in a multicultural tools, and language to advocate democracy...as well for themselves and others, as well as engage in meaningful dialogue as engage in meaningful about our similarities and dialogue about our differences. Although the school year concludes before Juneteenth similarities and differences.” occurs in 2022, Windward is demonstrating to its students that our community is one that believes in inclusion and belonging even when they are not physically in school. To honor Juneteenth, I invite you to take the time to learn more about the history associated with the holiday, uplift the stories of Black people, and reflect on what it means to you. Here are three recommendations to learn more about Juneteenth: 1. Visit the virtual programing organized by The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History at nmaahc.si.edu/juneteenth. 2. Read the book On Juneteenth by the Pulitzer Prizewinning author Annette GordonReed. 3. Read The Juneteenth Story by Alliah L. Agostini with younger readers. Happy Juneteenth!

SUMMER LEARNING LIST

Read WatchListen

Are you interested in diving deeper and learning more about the largely untold stories within the United States? Below you can find a sample of books, websites, podcasts, social media accounts, and more to engage in this summer and beyond. Additional recommendations around a broader range of DEIBrelated topics can be found online at www.thewindwardschool.org/DEIB. Thank you to Windward’s DEIB Office, SEED facilitators, and librarians who helped compile these resource lists for children, teens, and adults.

For Children

BOOKS

Worm Loves Worm by J. J. Austrian Bowwow Powwow by Brenda J. Child Hello Goodbye Dog by Maria Gianferrari Eyes that Kiss in the Corner by Joanna Ho Beautifully Me by Nabela Noor You are Enough: A Book About Inclusion by Sofia Sanchez Grandad’s Camper by Harry Woodgate

MOVIES AND TV SERIES

Hidden Figures (PG)

For Teens

BOOKS

Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger The Pants Project by Cat Clarke Starfish by Lisa Fipps Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram Unsinkable: From Russian Orphan to Paralympic Swimming World Champion by Jessica Tatiana Long Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

GRAPHIC NOVELS

El Deafo by Cece Bell New Kid by Jerry Craft Gaijin: American Prisoner of War by Matt Faulkner

MOVIES AND TV SERIES

CODA (PG13) On the Basis of Sex (PG13)

For Adults

BOOKS

Manzanar by John Armor and Peter Wright Glory in Their Spirit: How Four Black Women Took on the Army during World War II by Sandra M. Bolzenius Ordinary Girls by Jaquira Díaz Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong Listening is an Act of Love by Dave Isay Demystifying Disability by Emily Ladau The (Other) F Word: A Celebration of the Fat and the Fierce edited by Angie Manfredi

MOVIES AND TV SERIES

13th (TVMA) Rise: Standing Rock [Parts I & II] (TVMA) When They See Us (TVMA)

PODCASTS

Code Switch (NPR) The Disability Visibility Podcast Seeing White (Scene on Radio)

SOCIAL MEDIA

Densho Project (@denshoproject). Documents the Japanese American past to promote justice and equity today Them (@them). Through the lens of today’s LGBTQ community, Them provides news and commentary on topics ranging from culture and politics to style and entertainment.

WEBSITES AND BLOGS

Crutches and Spice (written by Imani Barbarin, a Black woman with cerebral palsy) Disability in KidLit (reviews children/teen books that have representations of various disabilities)