CONTACT:
Shannon Haber, 213-393-1289
[email protected]
Statement from Superintendent Austin Beutner
LOS ANGELES (June 17, 2021) On June 19, 1865 – nearly three years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation – news finally reached the slaves of Galveston, Texas, that the Civil War was over. They were free.
Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery and marks a turning point in our country’s long journey toward a more equal and just society. A century and a half later, we pause to reflect on that imperfect ongoing journey and recommit ourselves to the vital work still to do.
Freedom is the birthright of every American, but we achieve that ideal only when all of us work together to create change that lifts each other up.
Summer school programs will remain open tomorrow, Friday, to ensure that students and their families continue to receive the much-needed services they rely on from schools.
Since President Biden just signed the law today and families may not have had sufficient time to plan, this year Los Angeles Unified will recognize Juneteenth on July 2nd. Los Angeles Unified will commemorate Juneteenth next year and in future years by closing schools in accordance with the Federal holiday so that all in the school community have the time to reflect on the importance of this day.