Elizabethtown College is recognizing and commemorating Juneteenth, a federal holiday that takes place annually on June 19 to honor African American history, promote inclusivity, deepen historical awareness, foster cultural enrichment, support social justice efforts, and empower the campus community to become agents of positive change.
“As we continue to embrace our identity as an inclusive institution that fosters a sense of belonging for everyone at Elizabethtown College, this holiday is another opportunity to educate ourselves about the significance of this day of freedom, resiliency, and determination,” Dr. Kesha Morant Williams, Senior Advisor for Diversity, Equity, and Belonging at Elizabethtown College said. “Our College’s efforts and dedication to providing a holistic education that prepares students to be engaged and well-informed citizens in a diverse and interconnected world is as important today, if not more, as it has ever been.”
Classes will remain in session with non-essential administrative offices being closed. Dining Services will operate under normal hours of operation. The High Library will be closed from June 17 to 19, while the Bowers Center for Sports, Fitness, and Well-Being will operate under its normal summer schedule.
In honor of this day, all members of our community are encouraged to explore ways to celebrate this African American cultural tradition of music, food, and freedom with several Juneteenth resources:
- Virtual Education Resources – National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Free Online Courses on Diversity and Inclusion
- Black-owned Business Directory
- Lancaster County Black Owned Business Directory
About Juneteenth
Established as a federal holiday in 2021 as a celebration of resilience, Juneteenth honors this day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, delivering the order that the last enslaved Black people were officially freed.