Dean Buckless’ Message on Juneteenth

Today across America we remember June 19, or Juneteenth. This day commemorates the abolishment of slavery in 1865 in Texas. Texas was the last state to honor the 13th amendment that had been passed two years earlier. Since then, Americans have acknowledged and celebrated this date as Emancipation Day. 

At Poole College, we all can work to better understand how our history of unequal access to capital, employment and opportunity got us to where we are today. As we all work to better understand each other and our many stories, I, along with NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson, encourage you to learn more about Juneteenth. I have listed below some ways in which you can take today to reflect, honor and celebrate this day:

• Watch and discuss a documentary such as ‘13th’ on Netflix or a book such as “Juneteenth” by Ralph Ellison with your families.
• Attend a virtual Juneteenth event such as The National Museum of African American History and Culture’s Slavery and Freedom exhibition tour or other ways that are highlighted on the NC State African American Cultural Center article.
• Read a book and have a discussion in your next department or team meeting.

The events of our country in the last several weeks remind us all that we still have work to do. How can our curricula, research, community work, and engagement with Poole constituencies contribute towards developing meaningful responses to the historic systemic stifling of communities of color? I hope you will take some time today or in the coming days to learn more and help keep the conversations moving in Poole, your homes, and the world around you.

Frank Buckless,
Stephen P. Zelnak Jr. Dean