Celebrating Juneteenth
Dear Skidmore Community,
As announced in 2022, Skidmore recognizes Juneteenth as an official, annual College holiday. This year, the College will be closed on Monday, June 19.
At Skidmore, we recognize our shared commitment to freedom, equality, and justice for everyone in our community. We put that commitment into tangible practice through such projects as our Racial Justice Initiative, our Speech and Expression symposium, and our In It series.
In acknowledgement of this important holiday, I invite you to listen to this moving rendition of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” by alumnus Garland Nelson ’96 and to reflect on the words of Winston Grady-Willis, professor and director of the Black Studies Program, who offers the following history about Juneteenth:
“Juneteenth marks the commemoration of the symbolic end of chattel slavery in the United States. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863; however, it was not until June 19, 1865, when U.S. Army troops arrived on the island of Galveston, Texas, that enslaved Africans there had been informed of the document. Although chattel slavery did not formally end until ratification of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in December 1865, the June date brought cultural significance as the ‘Day of Jubilee.’”
A list of local and regional Juneteenth events and celebrations happening this weekend can be found below for anyone interested in attending or participating.
Wishing everyone a meaningful and celebratory Juneteenth,
Marc Conner
President
JUNETEENTH EVENTS
Saturday, June 17:Capital Region Juneteenth Coalition and partners, South Pearl Street, Albany, noon to 5 p.m.
Friday, June 16, through Monday, June 19:Frederick Allen Lodge Juneteenth Week Events. Highlights include:
- Saratoga BLM’s “For the Culture Cookout,” June 17, 3 p.m. until sunset, High Rock Park
- Annual Education Award Reception and Fundraiser, June 17, 6 to 9 p.m. Honoring the African American 2022-2023 Saratoga Springs High School senior with the highest GPA, with special guest speaker Dr. Winston Grady-Willis. Hosted at Principessa Elena Society, 13 Oak St., $75 per person.
- Author Carol Daggs’ “Brandtville Boogie Neighborhood Walking Tours,” 3 to 4 p.m. June 18, and 10 to 11 a.m. June 19. Proceeds to benefit Frederick Allen Elks Lodge No. 609, $25 per person.
- Second Annual National Holiday Juneteenth Celebration, June 19, 1 to 3 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs with pre-event symbolic “2-1/2 Block Walk” to honor Opal Lee, “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” Free event.
- Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, "Historic Preservation and Lost Histories of Saratoga Springs with Dr. Myra Young Armstead,” June 19, 7 to 8 p.m. via Zoom (registration information here).