In Honor of Juneteenth

June 18, 2025

Dear members of the SLU community,

As we approach Juneteenth, we write to you with hearts grounded in reflection and spirits committed to the dignity of all people. 

Juneteenth stands as a powerful reminder of our nation’s unfinished journey toward justice and liberation. It marks the day when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect.
 
At its core, Juneteenth is not only a celebration of freedom, but also a call to honor the long and ongoing struggle for dignity. It is a day that evokes remembrance, invites continued education, and inspires action — particularly as members of a Jesuit institution who seek to uphold the truly sacred value of every individual.
 
This year, the observance of Juneteenth takes place in the shadow of profound suffering. Recent tornadoes have devastated parts of our broader community, with a deep and lasting impact especially felt by many who were already facing economic hardship and housing insecurity. These storms have laid bare the painful reality that disaster does not fall equally on all people.
 
In the wake of such loss, we are reminded of our shared humanity and of the Gospel call to stand with and serve those who suffer. We are reminded that our Jesuit mission is fundamentally about restoring dignity in all its forms — social, material, emotional, and spiritual.
 
As we observe Juneteenth and discern what we might be called to do for and with others, we are also reminded of the guiding questions of the Examen of St. Ignatius:  What have I done? What am I doing? What ought I do?
 
Let this Juneteenth be a day to hold space for grief and remembrance, and to lift up hope and resilience. We encourage all members of our community to join in community events and reflections in honor of Juneteenth, and to consider how we can contribute to a more dignified and just world, for everyone.
 
In solidarity and hope,
  
Rochelle D. Smith, M.S., Vice President, Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement
 
Fr. David Suwalsky, S.J., Vice President, Mission and Identity 
 
Saint Louis University will be closed on Thursday, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.