The Siena community gathered behind Gioia Hall on June 19 for the second part of its annual Juneteenth celebration. The College’s Bells of Remembrance were rung to honor the 1865 announcement of General Order No. 3 in Texas, proclaiming freedom from slavery in that state. Richard Escobar, VISTA leader in the ACE Office, read the order. Lisa Simmons, assistant facilities manager, gave a stirring rendition of Maya Angelou’s famous poem, “Still I Rise.”
Going forward, Siena will observe Juneteenth as a college holiday. It will fall on a Wednesday in 2024. The College's on-campus reflection and celebration will happen sometime during the week of Juneteenth.
The preceding Saturday, a group of Siena students and staff took part in Albany’s annual African Heritage Parade. Organized by the Capital District Y, the downtown event celebrates the African Diaspora in the United States and leads into Albany's annual Juneteenth Celebration and Festival (bottom). Siena’s contingent won third place; the $100 prize money was donated to the College.