肯尼斯•福尔摩斯, 主要研究负责学生生活的高级副教务长, 反映了六月节的重要性. 也被称为自由日或解放日, Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States, 当联邦士兵到达加尔维斯顿时, 6月19日德克萨斯州, 1865年宣布奴隶制的终结, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
福尔摩斯回忆起在萨凡纳长大的经历, 乔治亚州, 作为奴隶的后裔, 被历史的回声所包围."
“我的长辈们分享了坚韧和希望的故事, grounding us in our heritage and the real meaning of freedom,他说.
Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the progress that has been made, as well as a chance to reflect on the work that still remains, 霍姆斯说,.
"Let us use this day to celebrate and reflect on how far we've come and still must go," says Holmes. “让我们教育, 相互参与，相互授权, continuing to build a community that upholds the dignity and rights of every individual."
If you’d like to take part in local celebrations of Juneteenth, there are 许多社区活动 scheduled in the Seacoast area and throughout the state to honor the day, including several events in Portsmouth on the holiday itself.
