Tomorrow is Juneteenth, commemorating the day in 1865 when Major General Gordon Granger declared the end of slavery in Texas, months after it was legally abolished. This day urges us to reflect on the lasting impact of slavery and systemic racism on communities that some of us are a part of, yet all of us serve.
Additionally, this day compels us to honestly and critically reflect on our role in promoting racial equity and to actively confront systems and structures that create advantages for some while disadvantaging others.
In our department, Juneteenth is a time to reaffirm our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We must remember our Desired Behaviors, as well as behaviors and conduct that cannot be accepted. We aim to embrace inclusion, communicate consistently, and be accountable for our individual and collective contributions to the department's culture and climate. We also commit to avoiding microaggressions, exclusionary behaviors, targeting, silence on intolerance, negative messaging, and self-serving actions.
Join us in reflecting on Juneteenth and recommitting to the values that will make our department, Duke, and community more equitable and inclusive. We encourage you to join the upcoming Juneteenth celebrations at Duke:
- June 20: ME² Third Annual Juneteenth Celebration: Noon to 1:30 p.m. | Great Hall, Trent Seamans Center for Health Education
- June 21: Annual Juneteenth Celebration - BLACKtivate Affinity Group |4:00 to 7:00 p.m. | 21 Alexandria Way, Durham, NC
All the best,
Ben Alman, MD
Tiffany Adams, PT, DPT, MBA, PhD
Tomeico Faison, OTD, OTR/L
Erica Taylor, MD, MBA