Observing Juneteenth 2024

Dear Members of the NJCU Family:

Today, June 19, is Juneteenth — a poignant annual reminder that progress is never linear, and that it often stumbles. Throughout the history of our country, progress has too often been slow to arrive. 

Juneteenth is a crucial reminder of the struggles for freedom and justice — and triumphs — that have shaped our nation, but also an acknowledgement of the dark chapters of our nation’s history. It took a torturous two years for Union soldiers to cross the country with copies of the Emancipation Proclamation, spreading the news that freedom had arrived for enslaved people. Juneteenth concurrently honors the legacy of those brave Americans who fought for freedom and justice.

Although we have seen setbacks in our struggle for a more just society, we continue to strive for that better world. At NJCU, we will accomplish this, one student at a time. I believe that every single student that crosses our campus has the potential to be the force that will bend our history towards justice.

Let us join together to emphasize the importance of remembering our history, no matter how uncomfortable it may be to acknowledge the parts of our past that we are not proud of, as we continue working towards a more just future.

As our campus, our state, and our nation observe Juneteenth for the fourth time since it was designated as a federal holiday in 2021, NJCU and our state offices will be closed this Friday in observance of this important date.

I encourage you to take a moment to pause in reflection and remembrance of what this day represents.

In Solidarity,

Andrés Acebo
Interim President
New Jersey City University