Lake Land College celebrates Juneteenth

MATTOON — Lake Land College is coming together with the community to celebrate Juneteenth and recognize the struggles and hardships enslaved peoples fought bravely to overcome as well as the challenges people of color still face today. “We want to take this opportunity to express honor and appreciation for all of the members of our Lake Land College community who have been and continue to be impacted by the events of Juneteenth,” President Josh Bullock said. “It is our pleasure and privilege to be home to a diverse and inclusive community. We strive to sustain a sense of belonging for everyone.”

Background of Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a celebration on June 19 each year. It also receives acknowledgment as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day. It’s a day to honor the culture, lives, and accomplishments of the Black community. It also serves as a celebration of liberation from slavery. It’s also a special way to honor the brave and inspiring individuals who fought for rights and privileges.

Lake Land dean speaks of the importance of Juneteenth

“Juneteenth merely represents the starting point in the fight for freedom and justice in the United States for Black people,” Associate Dean of Corrections Garry Scott said. “Well after the last slaves were freed, Black people continued to be subjected to disproportionate practices,” Scott adds. “What Juneteenth means today, is that we have shifted our focus toward the fight for racial equity and a just society.” Among the practices Scott would mention were lynching, false imprisonment, mass incarceration, unfair housing policies, minimal economic investment, and lack of access to education and healthcare. In many ways, these practices are still prevalent today. Scott states that there has been some progress in Black America’s mere 156 years out of bondage. However, there are considerable barriers still exist that hinder progress. Some of the best ways to support and appreciate Black culture and communities are to learn and educate others. Among those issues are many cultural and historical accomplishments these communities have made and continue to make. Moreover, Lake Land College has information on Juneteenth or inclusion, diversity, equity, and belonging at LLC.

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