Happy Juneteenth!
Today is Juneteenth, the day that marked the end of chattel slavery in the United States. The DEIJ committee is predominantly non-Black. With that in mind, it is the responsibility of the majority white DEIJ committee to decenter our voices and instead direct people to Black voices. To that end, it’s important that we, as healthcare employees in higher education, acknowledge and learn about the racist history of modern medicine especially as it pertains to HBCUs and PWIs. Additionally, as our headquarters is in Portland, Oregon we need to acknowledge the racist history of both the state and the city. Instead of adding more white voices to the cacophony of discourse around Juneteenth we would like to instead direct you to Black educators, speakers, leaders, and activists. We have included links below as a start.
How About We Don't Make Juneteenth Another Generic Holiday
Anti-Racism Action Guide: What Can I do as a White Person?
One Woman's Decades-Long Fight To Make Juneteenth A U.S. Holiday
What Does it Mean to be Anti-Racist
And probably most importantly, on this Juneteenth, make space for Black joy, Black celebration, and Black revelry. Take the time to educate yourself and promote Black liberation.
Respectfully,
Your DEIJ Committee