June 2023
June is Pride Month
June was selected as Pride Month to pay homage to the Stonewall uprising in June 1969 in New York City where police raided the Stonewall Inn and began brutalizing LGBTQ+ customers. Fed up after years of harassment, New York’s LGBTQ+ community broke out in neighborhood riots that went on for three days. As we recognize the legacy of the Stonewall riots, we honor the progress made by LGBTQ+ communities and acknowledge the distance we still have to go to achieve full equality in this DEI space.
Race Unity Day is Sunday, June 11, 2023
In 1957, Race Unity Day was recognized in the U.S. The purpose was to focus attention on racial prejudice, the belief that humans are divided into exclusive entities called "races" and that some races are superior to others. Events on this day celebrate the progress made towards racial equality in America and to raise awareness about the challenges that remain in our global move toward equity and inclusion.
Celebrate Juneteenth
On June 19, 1865, enclaved African Americans in Texas were freed from slavery. A century and a half later, people across the U.S. continue to celebrate the day, which is now a federal holiday. While early celebrations involved prayer, family gatherings, food, music and dancing – today, Juneteenth celebrations are on a much larger scale encouraging diverse audiences to join in. RSC will participate in the City of Lima’s Juneteenth Celebration – Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 12pm to 6pm. For information contact rscdei@rhodesstate.edu.