6/18/2026
Dear Campus Community,
On Friday, June 19, we will join the nation in observing Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the day in 1865 when the news of the Emancipation Proclamation, which abolished slavery, finally reached the enslaved people in Galveston, Texas. On this day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of African Americans. We also acknowledge that freedom has not always resulted in equality and social justice.
This is a time to reflect on our nation's history, recognize how far we have come, and consider the distance we still need to travel to address the ongoing impacts of racism in our country. Despite slavery ending more than 160 years ago, we still see disparities in health care, education, and economic mobility, as well as biases present in our criminal justice system.
This Juneteenth, I am mindful of the work still taking place to make our campus a welcoming and inclusive place for all and to dismantle elements of our society shaped by racism, particularly anti-Black racism. I am also grateful for the many partners across campus who are diligently undertaking this work with us in the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity and for all the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members who are striving to build a world where racism and inequality do not exist.
This Friday, I hope you will take time to reflect, learn, and recommit to the work of dismantling systems of oppression and racism. On June 19 from Noon to 6 p.m., the community is invited to Juneteenth: A Road to Economic Freedom at Haub Family Field at LeMay Car Museum in Tacoma. This free event will feature music, performances, and over 150 vendors coming together for a joyous celebration of Black freedom and identity.
May we continue learning from our history while working together to create a more just and equitable future. Thank you for the care, reflection, and action so many in our community bring to this ongoing work.
Respectfully,
Lorna Hernandez Jarvis | Vice President of Institutional Equity and Diversity