This ‘Season of Independence’ Begins with Juneteenth

Dear Saint Mary’s campus community, 

This year, Juneteenth takes on added significance as the beginning of what many are calling the “Season of Independence.” The season connects June 19, 1865—Juneteenth—with July 4, 1776, when the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.

As our nation approaches the 250th anniversary of that historic document in 2026, Juneteenth offers an opportunity to reflect on how the promise of freedom has been experienced differently across American history.

Juneteenth commemorates the day enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free when Union troops arrived to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation—more than two years after it had been issued. It is difficult to imagine discovering that freedom had been legally granted, yet withheld, while enduring the brutal realities of slavery. That history reminds us that progress is often uneven and that the ideals expressed in our nation’s founding documents have required continual struggle to realize.

The significance of Juneteenth becomes even clearer when viewed through the broader arc of American history—from the unfulfilled promises of Reconstruction, the rise of Jim Crow laws, and the Great Migration, to the Civil Rights and Voting Rights movements and more recent debates over voting access, educational opportunity, and the place of Black history in our national narrative.

The growing visibility of Juneteenth celebrations across the country reflects an increasing recognition that the experiences of Black Americans are central to understanding the American story. It is also a celebration of resilience, perseverance, creativity, and community.

This year, communities and organizations across the nation are finding new ways to celebrate Black history and culture. One example is Disney’s month-long “Celebrate Soulfully: Summer Vibes” program, running from June 19 through July 19 in Southern California, which highlights Black heritage through music, food, art, and cultural programming. The opening “Yardfest” celebration features the drumline tradition of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), with Drum Major Mickey joining the drum majors of Texas Southern University. Road trip, anyone?

The growing visibility of Juneteenth celebrations across the country reflects an increasing recognition that the experiences of Black Americans are central to understanding the American story. 

Meanwhile, in Galveston—the city at the heart of the Juneteenth story—community celebrations and exhibitions continue to honor the holiday’s enduring significance, including a tribute to the Pullman Porters at the Galveston Railroad Museum. 

Closer to home, I encourage members of the Saint Mary’s community to explore local opportunities for learning, reflection, and celebration. I also encourage you to visit the Saint Mary’s Museum of Art, which is currently featuring works by the late Bay Area artist Hilda Robinson. The exhibition, on display through June 21, is the result of a wonderful collaboration between the Office of Inclusion and Belonging and Museum Director Britt Royer.

Earlier this year, we also launched the Inclusive Community Lecture Series with an inspiring presentation by Dr. Ramona Bishop, visionary founder of Elite Public Schools. If you missed the event, I encourage you to watch the recording.

For those interested in attending a local Juneteenth event, here are several celebrations taking place around the Bay Area on Friday and Saturday:

• Juneteenth Community Celebration — Children’s Discovery Museum, San Jose
  June 19, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
   
• Juneteenth at the Oakland Museum of California
  June 19, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
   
• Hella Juneteenth Festival — Prescott Market, Oakland
  June 19, Noon – 6 p.m.
   
• Richmond Juneteenth Festival — Nicholl Park, Richmond
  June 20, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
   
• Vallejo Juneteenth Parade and Festival — Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Green
  June 20, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
   
• San Francisco Juneteenth Parade
  June 20, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
   
• Berkeley Juneteenth Festival — Alcatraz Avenue and Adeline Street
  June 20, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

However you choose to observe Juneteenth, I hope you will take time to reflect on its history and significance. As we begin this Season of Independence, may we continue to engage thoughtfully with our shared past while working toward a more inclusive future.

Sincerely,

Terri Jett, PhD
Associate Vice President
Office of Inclusion and Belonging