June 19, 2024

Dear UAF faculty and staff,

Today is Juneteenth, a federal holiday that commemorates June 19, 1865, when the last of the enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, were freed. The governor of Alaska proclaimed June 19 as Juneteenth Day in 2024 to recognize the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.

At UAF, we are committed to a culture of respect, diversity, inclusion and caring. The UA Museum of the North recently hosted a special exhibit titled “Black in Alaska” that can now be viewed on the Black in Alaska website. On this day, I encourage you to reflect, celebrate and explore the rich culture, history and contributions of Black Americans.

Thanks for choosing UAF.

— Dan White, chancellor