Celebrating Juneteenth
As we commemorate Juneteenth, it's essential to reflect on its significance and how it continues to inspire Black excellence, unity and the pursuit of education. Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day is not only a celebration of freedom, but also a reminder of the resilience and strength of the Black community.
Read more about the history of Juneteenth.
Educating Yourself and Living in Unity
"Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world."
—Nelson Mandela
At UC Berkeley Extension, we believe that education is the cornerstone of empowerment. By educating ourselves about the rich history and contributions of the Black community, we can foster a more inclusive and equitable society.
This Juneteenth, we encourage everyone to take the time to learn, reflect and celebrate Black excellence in all of its forms. From the arts and sciences to business and technology, the achievements of Black individuals continue to shape and enrich our world.
"One Berkeley allows for passionate people at both UC Berkeley Extension and UC Berkeley main campus to brainstorm and act together on how to increase inclusivity and diversity and share our values. This isfantastic for upcoming historical holidays like Juneteenth."
—Elliot McDougal, UC Berkeley Extension registrar specialist
Representing UC Berkeley at AfroTech
"We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools."
—Martin Luther King Jr.
This November, we will be taking our commitment to diversity and Black excellence to the next level by once again attending AfroTech. AfroTech is a celebration of Black innovators and leaders in technology, and our presence there underscores our mission to attract more Black students and employees to our campus.
UC Berkeley will be the only higher-education and continuing-education institution with a booth at this prestigious event, setting a precedent and showcasing our dedication to creating opportunities for Black talent. We are proud to engage at AfroTech alongside our Berkeley colleagues from Berkeley IT and the Berkeley School of Information.
Reflecting on the success and insights gained from Simone Burns and Britt McClintock’s (Berkeley IT at AfroTech- Blog Nov. 2023) participation in AfroTech 2023, we are even more excited about the potential this year holds.
“I think Juneteenth is important in higher education due to the misinformation that has been passed down over decades regarding abolishment of slavery in the United States.”
—Aryn Jackson, UC Berkeley Study Abroad intake adviser and peer adviser manager
Building a Brighter Future
Our participation in AfroTech is just the beginning. We are committed to ongoing efforts to increase diversity and create a more inclusive environment at UC Berkeley Extension. By showcasing the unity and collaborative spirit of our institution, we aim to attract and support Black students and employees, helping them to thrive and excel in their academic and professional pursuits.
Join Us in Celebrating Juneteenth
"Juneteenth is important to celebrate and acknowledge within higher education, as it serves as a reminder of the continuous journey every university needs to make toward equity and inclusion, especially as it pertains to Black staff, students and faculty. By commemorating Juneteenth, institutions like UC Berkeley should be honoring the resilience and contributions of Black stakeholders in the community, on and off campus, while reaffirming their commitment to uplifting those voices throughout the campus.”
—Tamicia Wakefield, Summer Sessions residential operations administrator
