Austin Peay State University commemorates Juneteenth: Celebrating freedom, resilience and progress

Williams

(Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2023)

Austin Peay State University joins the nation in honoring and celebrating Juneteenth, a significant milestone in American history. This year, we mark the 158th anniversary of Union soldiers arriving in Galveston, Texas, with the transformative message that all enslaved people in Texas were free. Juneteenth, now a federal holiday recognized at Austin Peay, holds a profound significance as a symbol of freedom, resilience and progress.

In recognition of this critical day, Austin Peay will be closed on Monday, June 19, to allow students and employees to celebrate.

LaNeeça R. Williams, chief of Institutional Culture and Title IX coordinator at Austin Peay, emphasized the importance of reflection during this celebration.

“As we come together to celebrate Juneteenth with block parties, cookouts and educational events, let us not overlook the historical challenges endured by those who fought tirelessly for equality,” she said. “It is vital that we dedicate ourselves to constructing equitable solutions for the persistent challenges in our society today.”

Whiteside

At Austin Peay, we dedicate ourselves to embracing education and achievement as pillars of freedom for Black and African American individuals.

“Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder that achieving victory alone holds no true value,” said Dannelle Whiteside, vice president for Legal Affairs and Organizational Strategy at Austin Peay. “We bear a personal responsibility to advance equality and actively work toward creating a more equitable world. By translating our thoughts into meaningful action, we honor the promises made in Galveston on that monumental day in 1865.”

As we commemorate Juneteenth at Austin Peay State University, we embrace this opportunity to reflect on our shared history, recognize the struggles endured and celebrate the triumphs achieved. We stand united in our commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable campus community that values the contributions of every individual. Together, let us ensure that Juneteenth inspires us to continue striving for a future where freedom, equality and justice flourish for all. Happy Juneteenth!

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