Office of the President

Juneteenth University Holiday

Dear Johns Hopkins Community:

On behalf of the deans and university leadership, we write to share the news that Johns Hopkins University will be marking the anniversary of Juneteenth as a university holiday beginning this year and going forward.

Juneteenth, as you know, commemorates the day—June 19, 1865—when the enslaved people of Texas finally received news of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Lincoln. Long celebrated in many different ways, the day marks the spirit of liberation, resilience, joy, and creativity of Black Americans in the face of slavery’s enduring legacy and centuries of racial discrimination.

Because June 19 falls on a Saturday this year, the university will be closed for classes and other business on Friday, June 18, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. Due to the demands of patient care, the Johns Hopkins Health System will remain open and commemorate the day with events and opportunities for reflection and celebration. University employees involved with patient care on that day will receive further communication from Johns Hopkins Medicine about the day and continuity of care.

Sincerely,

Ronald J. Daniels
President

Sunil Kumar
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Mary Miller
Interim Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration

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