Statement from Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., on Juneteenth | News | Notre Dame News | University of Notre Dame Skip To Content Skip To Navigation Skip To Search University of Notre Dame Notre Dame News Experts ND in the News Subscribe About Us Home Contact Search Menu Home › News › Statement from Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., on Juneteenth Statement from Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., on Juneteenth Published: June 18, 2021 Author: Notre Dame News Juneteenth Flag “When Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Sept. 22, 1862, he invoked ‘the considerate judgment of mankind, and the gracious favor of Almighty God,’ and declared that as of Jan. 1, 1863, all enslaved people in the states currently engaged in rebellion against the Union ‘shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.’ “Nearly three more years would pass before Gen. Robert E. Lee would surrender at Appomattox and another two months before federal troops would enter Galveston, Texas, to free the last slaves in the United States. That day, June 19, 1865, became known as Juneteenth and has been celebrated by African Americans throughout the country for more than 150 years. It is now a national holiday. “Today, as we commemorate the effective end of slavery in our nation, we recognize that we have much more work to do to ensure that every person, regardless of race, is afforded the dignity that comes from being made in the image and likeness of God. While we at Notre Dame pause to recognize Juneteenth this weekend, we commit ourselves to creating an inclusive community on campus and an equitable society at large.” Posted In: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion University News Home Experts ND in the News Subscribe About Us Related September 15, 2022 Lilly Endowment Inc. grant helps to expand Notre Dame pre-college programs for Hoosier high school students September 13, 2022 Notre Dame observes Hispanic Heritage Month with events around campus July 22, 2022 Roxanne Gregg named executive director of Notre Dame TRIO programs July 08, 2022 University of Notre Dame hosts 2022 Latina/o Studies Association Conference June 23, 2022 Notre Dame to honor pioneers of Irish women’s athletics For the Media Contact Office of Public Affairs and Communications Notre Dame News 500 Grace Hall Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Pinterest © 2022 University of Notre Dame Search Mobile App News Events Visit Accessibility Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn