SAN JOSE, CA – On Wednesday, June 9th, 2021, the Santa Clara County Board of Education (SCCBOE) unanimously passed a resolution recognizing June 19th, as “Juneteenth,” the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery. It was on this day in 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863, that Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the Civil War had ended and the enslaved were now free.
Juneteenth Day celebrations have since been held to commemorate African American freedom from slavery. Honoring this day, more than 150 years later, helps us learn our history and better understand the experiences of African Americans that shaped this nation.
”Celebrating Juneteenth gives us an opportunity to reflect on what it really means to be free. Inequitable policies and systemic racism have proliferated oppressive behaviors and mindsets that prevent true freedom for African Americans and people of color,” said Santa Clara County Superintendent Dr. Mary Ann Dewan. “With that in mind, we recognize the work that needs to be done to eradicate systemic oppression, and strive for the healing needed to move forward in unity.”
The resolution emphasizes the historical relevance of this significant event and advocates for the continuance of the tradition of celebrating Juneteenth to acknowledge and condemn the atrocities and degradation of our shared past, and honor the resilience in the face of injustice for present and future generations.
The SCCOE also recognizes the impact of generational trauma as a result of racism, including impairments to physical and mental health and well-being, disadvantaged or inexistent economic opportunities, and biased and inequitable systems that prevent academic success for African American students.
The SCCOE remains committed to improving equitable access to high quality education for African American students and students of color, as well as providing quality support to districts, schools, students, and communities.
“The Santa Clara County Board of Education and the County Superintendent of Schools recognize and honor June 19th as National Juneteenth and remain committed to inspire equity, create alliances, celebrate diversity, and establish safe environments in our schools and communities throughout the county,” stated Santa Clara County Board of Education President, Claudia Rossi.
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About the Santa Clara County Office of Education
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. The County Office of Education directly serves students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The SCCOE also provides academic and fiscal oversight and monitoring to districts in addition to the 22 Santa Clara County Board of Education authorized charter schools.