Dear County and District Superintendents and Charter School Administrators:

Celebrating Juneteenth

This month, we celebrate Juneteenth. It’s a time to pause and remember an important day in our nation’s history and what it means to continue working toward freedom, opportunity, and equality for all.

On June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans in Texas finally learned that they were free. This was more than two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation had set them free. Today, we celebrate both the joy that Juneteenth represents and reflect on the work that still needs to be done to make sure every person has access to opportunity and can fully participate in our society.

Juneteenth reminds us that access to opportunity, inclusion, belonging, and ensuring every staff member and student is seen, known, supported, and valued begins with education as our foundation. As educators, we have an opportunity every day to help staff and students understand the history of our country and those who have built and continue to build it, learn from and value multiple perspectives, and gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in our diverse, multilingual, globally connected world.

Juneteenth is a day to celebrate Black Americans’ impact on our nation’s history and valued contributions to our workplace, schools, and communities every day. Black leaders have shaped California’s educational landscape and our continued work to build a better future for our students.

I encourage each of you to take some time today to learn about and reflect on Juneteenth—both personally and professionally. Consider how your role at your local education agency contributes to advancing equity, expanding opportunity, and fostering a culture of inclusion. Talk with your family and friends about freedom, opportunity, and what it means to treat everyone with respect and dignity. Together, as educators and administrators, we continue the important work of ensuring every staff member and student has what they need to thrive.

Thank you for all you do for California’s students, families, and your school communities.

Sincerely,

Tony Thurmond
State Superintendent of Public Instruction