Hello, Shocker family. Growing up in Houston and attending college in Galveston, Texas, Juneteenth is widely celebrated as a day of remembrance to commemorate the day enslaved people in Texas were notified of their freedom. General Order No. 3 was issued on June 19, 1865, in the City of Galveston informing the people of Texas that enslaved people were free.
In 2021, President Biden recognized Juneteenth as a federal holiday; and earlier this year, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced it as a state holiday. Along with other KBOR institutions, Juneteenth (on June 19) will be an official university holiday, starting in 2024.
The university will be closed every June 19. Anyone with questions about how this might affect your work schedule can reach out to their supervisor or read the frequently asked questions.
As we celebrate Wichita State’s first official Juneteenth holiday in 2024, it’s my hope that we reflect on the significance of this day in our shared history.
President Rick Muma