Observing Juneteenth

Dear Seattle University Community,

Seattle University is closed today in observance of Juneteenth. It was on this day in 1865 when news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after slavery was officially abolished in the U.S.

Juneteenth is a day of mixed emotions—in some ways celebratory, in others a reminder of the work yet to be done. The years since June 19, 1865, have shown that freedom and equality are not synonymous, and until equality is achieved, freedom in its truest sense is still out of reach.

The tension between the ideals for which we strive as a nation and the realities before us is particularly pronounced as we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. This milestone—a celebration of liberty and democracy—arrives alongside our ongoing struggle to fully reckon with the history of enslavement and the enduring inequities that followed. The profound contributions of Black Americans to the nation’s economic and cultural life stand in stark contrast to continued disparities and the erosion of certain civil rights we are presently witnessing.

In this context, we are called to sustain hope and possibility while confronting both historical truths and present-day injustices. And as a university grounded in a Jesuit educational mission, it is especially imperative that we continue to take an active role in building the more just and humane world we envision and toward which we organize our endeavors. This work—especially when it comes to racial justice—can be slow, uneven, and at times painfully frustrating, but it is central to who we are and what we stand for.

In his recently released encyclical letter Magnificat Humanitas, Pope Leo XIV offers a reminder that, while broadly applicable, may provide some direction and encouragement for us on this day and in these times:

“…(B)uilding a world in which everyone can flourish requires shared responsibility and courage. No one can single-handedly bear the weight of the challenges the world is facing, just as no one is so weak that they cannot play their part...”

In this spirit, may we take this day not only to remember and reflect, but also to discern our role—individually and collectively—in working for justice, dignity, and belonging for all.

Sincerely,

Stephen V. Sundborg, S.J.
Interim President

Natasha Martin
Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion