NASCUS Statement on Juneteenth

NASCUS Statement – June 18, 2021

Juneteenth—commemorating the end of slavery in the United States—is both a time for celebration and a cause for somber reflection. It is a time to celebrate the word of freedom reaching the enslaved in Texas in late 1865 and the end of lawful slavery in the country. It is a time for somber reflection on the fact that too many have had to wait for the freedom and individual dignity upon which our nation was founded to apply to them. The civil unrest and social justice movements of today are a reminder that for many, the wait for true equality and opportunity continues.

NASCUS deeply values the diverse experiences and voices of our staff, leadership, and members. But we fully appreciate that this is not enough. As we reflect on this Juneteenth, we at NASCUS recommit ourselves to the ideals of equality and respect to which we, as a society, should aspire. And we celebrate Juneteenth and its overdue nationwide recognition as an essential thread in our national fabric.

–Lucy Ito, President & CEO, NASCUS