MMC Celebrates Juneteenth 2021

The Juneteenth Flag

Marymount Manhattan College joins the entire MMC community in celebrating Juneteenth, observed each year on June 19, to honor the day Texas residents were informed about the end of slavery—2 months after the end of the Civil War and 2 ½ years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued—effectively freeing all enslaved people in the nation.

The first celebration, called Jubilee Day, was organized by newly freed Black Americans in 1866. Most early observances took shape as church-centered gatherings with prayer, singing of spirituals, and feasts. Today, Juneteenth continues to serve as a celebration of Black heritage, history, and pride.

The College will observe Juneteenth on Monday, June 21. Main Campus buildings will be closed and classes will not meet.

Since its origination in 1866, Juneteenth has had a rich and complex history of recognition and celebration. Just this week on June 17, President Joe Biden signed a bill establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. “We have come far, and we have far to go. But today is a day of celebration,” Vice President Kamala Harris said, before the signing.

Learn More about the Movement	Learn More about the Juneteenth flag
Read about the Mexican city that observes Juneteenth	Voices Remembering Slavery: Freed People Tell Their Stories

Published: June 16, 2021

The Power of Prison Education: MMC Marks Anniversary at Bedford Hills, Celebrates Program Alums

Though MMC has been the sole degree-granting institution for the college program at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility in Bedford Hills, New York, since 1997, this year holds special meaning for the relationship: September marks the 20th anniversary of when the program was officially deemed an extension campus of MMC. We’ll be celebrating and sharing the stories of Bedford Hills students and alums, like Monica Szlekovics ’09, all year long.