Seattle Public Schools

Honoring Juneteenth

Summary: By acknowledging Juneteenth, we reaffirm our commitment to honoring the legacy of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.

On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and shared with more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state they had been freed. This day became known as Juneteenth. It serves as a reminder of the struggle for freedom, equality, and justice. The holiday provides an opportunity to honor the rich history, culture, and resilience of the Black community. 

By acknowledging Juneteenth, we reaffirm our commitment to honoring the legacy of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. We strive to ensure that our Black youth feel seen, heard, and valued within our educational system. It is our collective responsibility to dismantle systemic barriers and create opportunities for every student to thrive. 

As a district, we will continue to enhance our curriculum by integrating diverse voices, narratives, and contributions from Black communities. By incorporating inclusive materials and perspectives, we aim to promote empathy, understanding, and a deeper appreciation of our shared humanity. 

To our Black students, we recognize and affirm your heritage, experiences, and contributions to our school district. Your identities, talents, and voices are essential to the fabric of our community. We stand beside you in the pursuit of equality, justice, and the dismantling of systemic racism. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where you can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. 

All students deserve to see themselves reflected in their school experiences. We remain committed to these ideals.  

In Solidarity, 

Dr. Brent Jones 
Superintendent 

Juneteenth Resources

You may also be interested in

A group of students, staff, and community members walk in the PRIDE parade with SPS.

Seattle Public Schools Celebrates Pride Month

SPS supports the right of our students, staff, and families to be their authentic selves. We are dedicated to creating safe, inclusive environments!…
An illustration with three Pan African colors of red, yellow, and green with text Black History Month.

Lift and Sing: SPS Kicks Off Black History Month 

February is Black History Month, and SPS recognizes the contributions of all Black people – past and present – who continue to blaze a trail!…
The stone memorial statue of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Superintendent Message to Community on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Use this time to commemorate his life and legacy and to find motivation in the fight against injustice.